Cell Phone Video Emerges That Refutes St. Louis Cops Version of Shooting

St. Louis- On Tuesday, while tensions continued to simmer in Ferguson, just a few miles away 25-year-old Kajieme Powell was gunned down by St. Louis cops.

Officers claimed that they were in fear of their lives as Powell charged at them with a knife. They claim he had the knife in an “overhand grip” and came within three feet of the officers, at which time they opened fire, killing Powell.

The incident stemmed from a call by a Six Star Market owner after Powell allegedly stole two energy drinks, according to KSDK.

Reports from witnesses claim that Powell was acting erratically, pacing back and forth on the street and talking to himself, while carrying a knife.

St. Louis Metro Police Chief Sam Dotson responding to a question of whether the shooting was justified said his officers “have a right to go home at night” going on to say that all officers have a right to defend themselves.

He went on to defend his officers actions saying that they used deadly force due to the suspect with a knife coming within three of four feet of the officers, which would be considered within lethal range.

New cell phone video has emerged that calls into question officer’s version of events, and Dotson’s defense of his officers, leading up to the shooting.

In the video two cops arrive together, exit the vehicle, and demand Powell drop the knife. Powell begins yelling “shoot me, shoot me, shoot me now,” as walks onto a ledge then steps off as if to approach.

Powell, who had his hands at his sides, never came within more than 10-15 feet of the officers before they opened fire killing him.

As the man recording the incident stated,

“They could have tazed that man.”

Surely the officers could have utilized non-lethal force in this situation.

It seems that these officers, and Police Chief Dotson, think they are the only ones that “have a right to go home at night.”

The police turned a call about two stolen energy drinks into a murder, of course they will say it was justified, so they could go home at night… sadly, Kajieme Powell will never be able to go home again.

It’s this us or them mentality that has created the conditions we see in Ferguson and around the country, as the warrior cop has no sense how to diffuse a situation, but rather only how to use force and brutality on those they are sworn to protect and serve.

Jay Syrmopoulos is an investigative journalist, freethinker, researcher, and ardent opponent of authoritarianism. He is currently a graduate student at University of Denver pursuing a masters in Global Affairs. Jay’s work has previously been published on BenSwann.com and WeAreChange.org. You can follow him on Twitter @sirmetropolis and on Facebook at Sir Metropolis.

My father the 25 year Vet of a big city Police Department would say:
"We sign the dotted line to protect and serve the public knowing we may get hurt. It is our job to put our lives on the line for the public, not the other way around. When did policing become a job in which there is supposed to be NO DANGER to the officer?"
Thanks Dad.

Jeffrey Sparks Not at all. you did not bother me in the least. I realize that long ago it was different and the police were different. I am just pointing out that it is no longer the case. It may say protect and serve, but it is the government and themselves they are protecting now. Not the people. Your dad sounds like a good guy. If I had a hat, I would tip it to him.

Bill Maher has pointed out this very thing Jeff: Cops are no longer willing to put themselves into any harms way or danger any more. They are being improperly trained and when their first instinct is to kill someone rather than help them, then we have a problem.

Thank you Ma'am.
He was actually known for being a decent guy. Hard to grow up with, but I think it had a lot to do with his work.
People have told me to this day how he let them go for things because they were working, or on their way to or from work. Or if it seemed to be something minor that would be more paperwork than the cost of a Pop was worth, he would buy the Pop.
However, I have also been told he would beat the crap out of someone if they were in need. Funny, in all his time working the most crime ridden area of town, his gun was fired once. That was by a person who waited in an alley and tried to take my father's weapon from him.

Marissa and that is absolute bullshit the ruling is wrong I'm just an antiquated I hope one of your children or grandchildren get killed by a cop I will laughI will come to the grave and piss on it everydayI'm a vet I volunteered protect the rights of United States citizens not to have pigs trample on them and Prejudice scum like you trash the things I fought for

Jeffrey- I am from Ohio as well, and it is crazy to me that your father was a cop in Cinci and felt that way, especially bc of the reputation that the Cinci cops have! I remember those riots. That was back in 2000 right? I wish there were more cops like your dad.

My step-father was a 39 year vet. Even he said that cops these days are to concerned about their lives. If you are going to be a cop, then you already know the dangers of the job. Cops need to stop complaining about how they "FEAR" for their lives and man-up. So, Jeffrey Sparks, I agree with what your dad told you. I am also tired of cops thinking they are on the same level as military veterans. I am a veteran. I find that to be insulting. My brothers and sisters in the military are REAL professionals, who are held accountable for their actions when they screw-up, or get people hurt, and/or worse. When the "good cops" turn in the bad ones, then cops might, one day become as professional as current military professionals and veterans.

Thank you for your fathers service sir. My Grandfather was a police officer in Bayonne nj also. Back in the days when he was a police man they had a re-pore with the people on their beat and could easy talk them down in a situation. Now it looks like the just don't care.

Leigh Reed II Dude, I didn't say it was right. I was just saying that it's what they ruled. I agree that it's bullshit. No one, especially me, is trashing anything. The fact of the matter is that things are much different from how they were when I was a kid. Heck they're even more different than when before I was born. And furthermore, how DARE you threaten my child?! That is uncalled for. Calm your tits dude.

Yes, that is why he quit. He retired almost exactly one year before the riots, maybe a little over. I was surprised because he even took a cut in pension to get out early. I asked why and his response was this, "I am getting afraid. I am afraid that the Police Department has hired to many Squirrels (what the old cops used to call the young cops who wanted to bust everything and act like hard guys). They can't keep hiring all these young white kids from the suburbs who have no experience around blacks and expect them to do a good job. They will make things hard on everyone."
We talked recently and he said it was sad to see police forces moving toward hiring of only young veterans if they can get them. He said that makes them even more militant.

Marissa Cothron A properly trained officer will not use lethal force to subdue a suspect , they were close enough to use a taser and if that failed shoot him once in the leg, not 9 times....The police murdered him and I don't care what there Constitutional Duty is....... They have a moral duty to serve and protect and truth is neither way gives them a license to kill...............

no one care about the good ol days..if you ever lived in a urban enviroment you would know it has changed and its getting nuts out there..these idiots steal,mug and intimidate people on a daily basis and when one of them ends up dead we are supposed to feel sorry for them? if some one is screaming shoot me and heading my way with a knife then im gonna kill them..im not dying for someone else unless its on the battlefield..

Mitchel Dumez Oh my god you guys. I agree with you guys! I am just saying that they are saying they don't have to protect anybody and the courts agree with them. I am not saying it is right. I think it is BS just as much as you guys do. Seriously calm your tits dudes.

I do not believe that to be the case. In the US, violent crime statistics have come down by about 28% over the last 30 years according to the numbers.

I know when he was on duty, I went to no less than 5 funerals of friends of his in the course of about 4 years in the late 70's and early 80's. Or what you might call "the good old days". I was at a baseball game with this one and his family just 3 nights before this happened:
http://gcphs.com/LODD/Henze.html

Either way, I live in a state where it is legal for me to carry a firearm as well to protect myself if needed. I don't think you do.
Fortunately I have never needed more than hands.

I am not a police officer, nor do I have any special training in police work. Still, I think it's obvious why the officers exited their vehicle with their weapons drawn, and kept them drawn. The suspect had his right hand in his jacket pocket, and it appeared he was clutching something in that pocket. That object could just as easily been a small handgun. We might argue that once the knife was drawn, one of the officers should have fumbled for a taser instead of a gun. This reasoning is flawed because there wasn't all that much time, and the officer more distant from the suspect had a responsibility to protect the officer closest to the suspect in the most effective manner possible. That was his service revolver. I further submit to all that 15 feet is not a great distance at all. Try sparring sometime, and you'll realize that it takes about a second to close that distance and strike a blow. I am very sorry this man is dead. His family must be crushed. On the other hand, perhaps he had more hand in his death than the officers did. We are all our brothers' keepers. I am sure many people in the dead man's life are wondering if they could have said or done something that would have prevented this tragedy.

did you watch the whole video? or just skip to the shooting? because the one guy said that he called the cops on a guy who was wielding a knife outside on the street... so the cops show up with guns drawn. Police did NOT get out of the car and just start shooting, they told him to take his hands out of his pocket etc and he did not. Instead he walked towards the cops and said "shoot me" and was not cooperating. Mental illness or not, his actions is what lead to his death. The cops again did not just get out and start shooting and gave him chances to cooperate, in which he had no interest in doing

Elizabeth Conley you hit the nail on the head, they are there to protect, what if the store owner went to get those drinks? he may be the one laying there..... so many shaded areas but some people think they are above the law.....

Michael Zoltek Never said the cop got out of car and started shooting. However, to be honest the sequence of events is not important. My message was why is it other civilized countries are able to handle people with knives without shooting the person.

Elizabeth Conley After the fact there is no argument, The man did not have a gun....he had a knife. If two officers cannot disarm a man with a knife without killing him then they should not be on the job. This is another outrage!

Michael Zoltek I also do not argue that his actions lead to his death. You are correct, they did. I think my point is valid, yet we gloss over the real question and jump to the guy is a criminal we deserved to die.

I understand that my remarks have made a lot of people angry, and I sympathize with your feelings. I am against militarized police and often side with citizen. I think that the Kelly Thomas murder and similar police atrocities have caused me to view police as no better and possibly worse than the average street thug. That being said, I don't think these officers did anything wrong. This incident was a tragedy, not a murder. We can be sad, but I'm saving my anger for real injustices. As for those who point out that unarmed police don't shoot people - you've got a point. If you prefer to live in such a country, consider moving. Seriously. Those are nice places, but so is the U.S. As long as I have a 2nd amendment right to carry a firearm, police should be allowed to protect themselves with at least an equally effective weapon.

Elizabeth Conley I am not angry, just having a conversation. What does make me angry is when people tell me to move. Me moving does not solve the issue. I suspect more people feel like me than you, based on the number of likes I have.

I respect you view, however I do not agree with your view.
Just because we differ one should never tell the other to leave.

Romonaga Wowshister im just saying if those sound more appealing, then its an option to go to....i dont know why "cops cant deal with knife wheelers" but i can damn well guarantee any of us in here have a robber come in to our house come at us with a knife, we will pull the trigger too, if u say no, your either going to be dead or a liar!

Ron Inman I'm really not sure what was going on in the dead man's mind. I feel really sorry for him. He was obviously confused, and probably frightened. A lot of people were standing around smirking, when perhaps a kind word would have made a difference. I don't know. It seems to me like he was being circled by jackals as the police approached. No one watching showed the least bit of concern. They seemed to think they were watching TV. I think the entire incident illustrates a profound absence of human feeling. I can feel empathy for the suspect's evident confusion and inner conflict, and I can understand the officers' sense of duty, but the rest of the people present exhibit attitudes I find mystifying.

You just said the cops were called to the scene because a guy was wielding a knife. So yes the Cops knew he had a knife and that the guy had mental problems. Cops are trained to deal with these situations and are suppose to use the smallest amount of force possible to diffuse the situation. Cops are here to protect and serve. They are suppose to be upstanding citizens that are role models. They are suppose to be an example to everyone else out their as to how the ideal citizen should behave. Sadly they want everyone to whip out a gun and shoot the second they feel a tinge of anxiety run up their spine. If you can't handle the job, don't accept the paycheck and don't accept the oath. I don't care about your right to go home at night, if you want power and authority over my existence, you are going to have to suffer greater risk. In 99% of these cases, the city, the person, the suspect, the neighbors, the residents, would all have been better off if the cops took a wrong turn.

Elizabeth Conley - if the cop would have "fumbled" to reach for his taser in a high-stress situation, he has no business being a police officer. P.O.'s jobs call for a heightened ability to handle themselves in a crisis. If you can't stand the heat, get your ass out the kitchen. That officer needs to be put behind a desk for the rest of his career.

Ron Inman It is not that they sound appealing, I lived in london for 2 years. I saw how the police responded, I even managed to have the armed response team come to my house due to me and some friends doing crazy stuff. Guess what, the armed response team did ot draw weapons, even though we had guns out and in use. They simply asked us what was going on, seen no laws were being broken, and told us to carry on.

I promise you that here in the US, I would have been dead.

Is it wrong to expect better of our police? Is it wrong that we try to find beter ways to deal with stuff without jumping to shooting people?

Sim Jackson just stating a fact, after all the shots, he wasnt quite dead....u can see that in the video...my guess is they tried to stop him (feet/arms) and it didnt work apparently....and call me what u will, its my freedom of speech.... maybe people will change the way they view how they want to live, the thug/criminal life is obviously not a good one.

Ron Inman -- And being two over-weight fat fucks in middle America like you and your ugly wife is much more preferable, right? If the only option was living exactly the way you live your mundane life, then forget about living like a thug - I think even the whitest motherfucker alive would rather kill themselves. What kind of calloused sack of lard feels sorry for the pigs who clearly murdered someone who was mentally distraught? ANSWER: A fellow pig.

Sim Jackson im not married, im not a law breaker, im not thug, i know right from wrong and i abide by it.....maybe others should try that instead of living that retarded style of life....may lead to less violence and deaths...just sayin.

Indeed...Ron's bias exposes his ignorance in the debate...if this represents the best in training for cops it's pathetic...Ben Hur with or any Gladiator with a rope net could have contained what clearly is a mentally unstable man easily able to be surrounded by plenty of back up that could toss that rope net over him if need be....the only defuse and disarm training these two murderous cops chose was to shoot to kill and command the crowd to stand back....Ron trying to sugar coat his statements is only more reason to suggest to him to lay off sugar completely...both for physical and mental health reasons!

Police officers are normally trained to "double tap" That means fire two rounds very quickly. So considering that, each officer basically engaged twice. Since they can't read each others minds both officers engaged appropriately. This isn't something that officers think up on their own, this is a legally accepted training standard.

Ron Inman, the 9mm. is a crappy and dangerously deceptive round. And if you throw in hollow points it's even less effective with heavy clothing. A .40, 10mm, .357 or .45 stops the action almost immediately... except when alcohol, drugs, mental state comes into play. Of course, so does the .44 mag and the .44 sp. up close. But I have a feeling you already know this stuff. Best to walk away when it's over than to be carried away.

I hate to say it, but these officers were justified. With a knife in his hand, he's considered a deadly threat inside of 21 feet. Almost anybody concerned with self defense knows about the Tueller Study/Drill. They found that once a person got within 21 feet, they could almost always close the distance before the officer could draw his firearm and shoot. The officers had their guns drawn, but the guy was also well within the 21 feet. At least within 10 feet. Search "Tueller Drill" videos. You'll see what I'm talking about.

Exactly Dale, that's the difference between a trained officer and an armchair cowboy criticising their actions. The guy was closing distance on two officers pointing their firearms at him. Who does that? Old training video that might shed some perspective. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9igSoJHEdUo

Who does that? A mentally ill person on a suicide mission, that's who. It's called suicide by cop and police should recognize it and know how to deal with it. Killing a person who is trying to commit suicide is assisted suicide and in this country, that's murder.

Corey Myran Could have shot once in the leg or instead of escalating to deadly force immediately tried to calm the man down (They came out with guns pointed at him doin NOTHING to diffuse the already tense racial situation) or used pepper spray/tazers to take care of it. This doesn't happen anywhere else in the world and plenty of cops could take care of this situation without firearms.

I still don't believe it's justified. They had guns drawn instantly. Why not have a taser as a first option as an officer. Unless the guy is armed with a gun. And I these officers themselves felt justified the. Why lie in the first place. Because they knew that this could have ended differently than THEY chose for it to end.

Agreed 20 ft is lethal range for edged weapons but I didn't see a knife in his hand if he had a knife that it was definitely justified if you didn't then he should've got his ass kicked and then took to jail

Jacob Daniel Chrzan I never said it was the only option, but they don't shoot people in the legs to slow them down... what if they miss? you don't do that, it's not real. Say they tried to do that, and this maniac stabs the one cop in the neck? Then there will be just as many people on here saying "the cops should have shot him." When it comes to these situations there is no right answer, and the people that have the "right answers" are people like you who sit here days later after you watch what happened 15 times and decide what the cop should have done differently. People die, shit happens... to be that upset about a person who approached armed cops with a knife yelling shoot me should be the least of anyones worries. If you plan on doing that someday, and are upset that it may get you killed, then I am wrong...

First, For those of you saying shoot him in the leg... I will bet $100 dollars that you do not shoot, or shoot on a regular basis. "Shoot'em in the leg" is a huge myth that isn't feasible for several reasons. 1, under high stress you'll be doing well to hit center of mass, forget aiming at a specific point. Once adrenaline kicks in, you're limited to gross motor skills, not the fine motor skills needed for precise shots. 2, just because it's the leg, or arm, doesn't mean it won't kill you. You have major arteries in legs and arms that can cause you to bleed out in seconds. If you hit the femoral artery, in the leg, you have about 30 seconds before you're dead. As far as one officer having a taser and the other a gun, that's a good question, and should be looked at. Why they lied in the initial report, also a good question and should be investigated.

Obviously they are on the opposite side of the guy and probably saw something they perceived a threat that we cannot see. Sorry, If someone is yielding a weapon that can kill me I'm reaching for something that I know will stop the threat. And unlike Hollywood portrays, it's just idiotic to go for an wounding shot to stop a threat to your life. Not to mention you can hit an artery in the leg killing them anyway. Officers are trained to shoot center mass just as concealed weapon permit holder ALWAYS! James Holmes didn't get shot by police because he dropped his weapons reducing the threat to officers and then came out and complied with demands rather than trying to suicide by cop.

If they were justified, why did they lie? Even if they were legally justified, one shot to the leg would have disabled him. But, it seems they were awful scared of this guy if they thought 9 shots were needed, and they didn't seem to care that there was a residence behind him. Very brave of them.

Justified perhaps, but necessary? IDK. The guy laughing on the camera prior to the shooting felt no danger. The store worker/owner felt safe enough to come out side and watch the guy and apparently felt no danger. The way the officers approached the situation escalated the tension with in seconds and in my opinion is the bigger problem. They are supposed to be peacekeepers first. What happened to lets try to calm the guy down, find out what the problem is and help him. That guy was asking to be killed and they gave it to him without any thought.

I'd like to know, when is it appropriate to use the Baton, Stun Grenades that they've been using like Tennis Balls in Ferguson, Flash Bangs, Tasers, or Stun Guns? Because you seem to think Cops are aloud to go from "Put your hands on your head" right to "I feel scared, die, pow, pow." I know that my fellow tax payers don't pay so that these Police can be Judge and Jury. This isn't Judge Dredd. These people are only using guns because they are poorly trained and the life of an American Citizen is becoming less valued and easier to write off the killing.

Corey Myran --- I love when two out-of-shape pussies call other people "armchair cowboys". I promise you, put me in a room with Corey Myran and I come out of there with a necklace made out of his finger bones, drinking IPA out of his skull without a single bead of sweat. Cops are weak chumps - that's why they resort to the most brutal methods first. Anyone who is truly strong knows how to respect their own power.

Dale smith, you are stating within 21 ft they had to shoot him 9 times, hmmm when they first jumped out of the car their pistols were drawn with the target left hand out and right hand in pocket. I'm exMilitary so lets see would I have drawn my gun first or taser, Taser my partner its ok for him to pull out his weapon for backup. Now would I shoot a target because he had a knife out no, then he jumps on that platform then comes back down when he had come back down I would of tasered him instantly then cuffed him, he would of been alive in the backseat of the car no death, Dale you need to learn how see things before you react, its obvious you would of shot him too.

So why is it that it is justified for LEO to shoot someone coming at them with a knife, but not for me? Are there lives more valuable then mine? Now I know in VA, I can't even "legally" shoot someone if they break into my house, I have to be in a place where there is no escape and the suspect has to have a deadly weapon for me to kill them. So i know for damn sure if it was the average person shooting in this particular situation, they would be in jail with at least manslaughter charges. So are you saying it's only justified if it's LEO? They think they are above the law, and that's my big problem.
Oh, and then their partners in crime (the DA) always never seem to file charges on them. Must be nice to be up the ass of big brother. :)

Two trained cops w/guns, hand cuffs, pepper spray, battons, etc., against a (I can't even see it) very small knife & a disturbed man (who is killed) is not in my opinion justified. If you or I committed this act, it would be called murder or at the very least "manslaughter." Let's see how this one turns out.

I have some concerns. Did this man steal from the convenience store? When did the knife appear in his hand? Why was he behaving in such a crazed manner? How were the officers to know the knife was the man's only weapon? What if the police allowed him to escape and he injured or killed someone? Would the police be in nearly as much trouble if they injured the man while deploying a taser to apprehend him? The difference between us and the police is that the police are responsible for apprehending criminals, and we are not. I am very, very sorry this man is dead, but I am not so quick to condemn the officers, even after seeing this video.

Elizabeth with all due respect if they hit him with a taser it would have been better than a bullet if you can't recognize that you have issues, the officers had plenty of time to pull one and hit him with it I see no excuses for their actions

Elizabeth, there is no way you can rationalize this. These officers clearly could have used a tazer gun.. this guy didn't even charge at them. There lives were in no way at danger..except maybe for the officer who was driving who hoped out of his car in the middle of traffic.

Elizabeth Conley Did he deserve to die for stealing 2 cans of soda and walking at officers that were antagonizing him with guns? What about non lethal force? Shoot him in the leg and he won't come near you. Trigger happy ALL WHITE cops shooting down BLACK civilians. Yeah there is no police wrongdoing in this one. Open your eyes.

Kevin Zabbo yes, but yelling shoot me at the cops with a knife in your hand without an ounce of cooperation is... if someone did that to me, and I had a gun... I think it's safe to say that I'd do the same thing and would not be alone

Breanna Cormier Prange 1) after the ledge he did go after them clearly.....2) when you are an officer and you see a suspect with his hand in his pocket and refuses at first to take it out, you assume the worst (gun) so extreme caution goes in affect, then when he draws a knife, comes toward you, i would have shot him myself...

Kevin Zabbo my guess with 9 shots, they werent in the chest....notice on the ground he moved and was still talking (briefly) so that is possible they did the leg and arms at first...i cant guarantee it

Elizabeth Conley maybe the officers should have drawn their tasers or a baton upon exiting the car. your logic is flawed when you say that there was little time to react or "fumble" for a taser because they already had their guns drawn...they should not have already had their guns drawn, deadly force should not be the go-to option on every call. officers should be trained better at assesing when to use what type of force. this man could have been on drugs, mentally ill, whatever, he had a knife, we have no idea what was or wasnt in his pocket but if he tried to do anything from 15 feet away or get closer, a taser would have neutralized him. it looked like a suicide by cop in the end but it didnt have to be.

Hey Officer Ron. You're opinion. I watched the video too. I am very aware that officers are trained to shoot last, clearly these power drunk officers did not find that necessary and there lack of regard for other human beings is disgusting. Humans are disgusting and they are getting even worse because of the bullshit justification people like you spread around.

Matthew Richardson - this had nothing to do with race. just because a white officer kills a black man, does not mean anything. This man never should have been shot, but it's not a black vs. white issue, it's a civilian vs. cop issue.

I can pull a gun and shoot someone without training. what do they have training for if you cant handle a guy looked to be a bout 5'9 150 at the most with a knife. Why DO YOU HAVE TRAINNING. WHY DO YOU HAVE A TASER? THE FIRST THING YOU REACH FOR IS A GUN????

Why could the police not have retreated from the direct confrontation, and waited for back up. If an officer is not trained to get pepper spray out or a taser out quickly, why do they even have non lethal methods? If they can't get it out properly, they should get better training. Why is it the first defense always the lethal method?

if he survives after a taser with any new mental issue then he can live to sue the city because of being tazed, and claims now he is scar for life, equalling more money. Since everyone in america is sue happy.

August 22, 2014 at 5:57 AM

Here's a question, what parent allows their 8 year old to attend a riot or what parent isn't watching their 8 year old well enough to know he's at a fucking riot!!??

Do you have any idea how inaccurate a taser is? Or how ineffective tasers can be at times? Get out of here with your nonsense.. With that being said, there was absolutely no need for the officers to be so trigger happy. They could've backed up and waited to see if the guy proceeded to come at them, and at that point, you gotta do what you gotta do. It's so easy for people to comment on this with their "THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I WOULD'VE DONE, AND IT WOULD'VE BEEN EXECUTED PERFECTLY!" bullshit.. There's no way to properly train for real life encounters, when you usually have a few seconds or less to react, and adrenaline is pumping.

Matt Tanner Snow One of the main rules of gun safety is you never point the muzzle at anything you don't want to destroy. The reason that rule exist is because that's what guns are for killing period. You threw out the word innocent, and I understand he just stole some drinks but had he not, (now pay attention cause here is what you are failing to understand) BROKEN THE LAW the cops would have never interacted with him and he would still be alive. Police are authorized per their training to use deadly force when a suspect violates the twenty one foot rule, the "rule" states that in the time it takes the average officer to recognize a threat, draw his sidearm and fire 2 rounds at center mass, an average subject charging at the officer with a knife or other cutting or stabbing weapon can cover a distance of 21 feet.

The implication, therefore, is that when dealing with an edged-weapon wielder at anything less than 21 feet an officer had better have his gun out and ready to shoot before the offender starts rushing him or else he risks being set upon and injured or killed before he can draw his sidearm and effectively defeat the attack. In my opinion all this media coverage is just increasing citizen officer animosity, and will ultimately create more instances of violence. We need to come together as communities police and public, and work together during times like this. We have a severe mental health problem in this country, sad to say that cops are not psychiatrist and are not trained to deal with disturbed people. But I do not hold the officer responsible for failed policy's or lack of training. The blame is at the lawmakers door step, we are better than this America.

ML Jones Who knows All I know is they were approached by a man with a knife. Training will tell you a man with a knife is dangerous to you within 20 feet. I am not sure but did you know tazers will not affect everyone. Just like pepper spray has no affect on some people.

ML Jones yes they did after they shot him and put him in handcuffs then they kicked him in the head and tased him true story really just like he came at me and there was nothing i can do but put 10 or so rounds in him

Oh yeah, and why didn't they offer the guy a lollipop and and see if he wants to start a dialogue? Oh, that's right, he was trying to kill them. The only tragedy here is how many bullets they wasted by not shooting him in the head. Another scumbag off the streets. They didn't shoot him for no reason, they shot him because he was going to kill them. The next time someone is trying to stab you, are you going to let them or fight back? And if you kill him before he kills you, would you find yourself at fault? Would you ask yourself "hm, I could've tried something else so he would live"? No, you're gonna walk away grateful that you came out on top and that your neck wasn't stabbed repeatedly. This was 100% justified so stop trying to be a smart ass, you sound like a tool.

no this is what cops r trained to do if a guy is walking upt o saying shoot me shoot me get real dude u do not say this to a cop and threaten a cop maybe where u r from u do this .....cops have guns and U DO NOT EVER do this where is your respect for the law enfofrcement

michelle. you said it. cops are trained to kill people in the street without hesitation. why do they even have batons taser guns and mace?? and in these times cops are undeserving of any respect. ill believe there are good cops when they stand up to the corruption in their own department.

And cops decades ago were trained efficiently to take down people without using guns especially in situations like this without modern era tazers etc....if this guy was mentally unstable or on some drug trip just where do you expect this "respect" to pop in there????....ignorance in such statements is in large part why police commit such acts that you and I under exact circumstances would be charged with manslaughter or murder instead of unpaid leave etc....from surrounding with back up to tossing a Gladiator rope net over this guy there are dozens of proven methods in the law enforcement practice to bring down or negate a situation like this with unarmed police in foreign nations performing such feats with trail blazing results....maybe one night you will muster up the guts to get drunk and stumble around the sidewalk with a sharp nail file and toss out a few verbal threats and let's see if you still feel nine bullets in your gut was a reasonable response to quite frankly just as dangerous weapon and I am sure your mouth could profane similar to this victim....eh???

Michelle Vineberg the Man clearly had a mental problem. Is that not what they have taser guns for? I would like to see what you would say if it was your son and he had a mental problem. Oh but your from the other side of the street where everything is just peachy.

Michelle Vineberg Just because a suspect says 'shoot me' it doesn't mean you shoot them. Where is the logic in this? If someone tells you to kill them are you going to do it because ' they have no respect for you'? What is wrong with you.

Michelle Vineberg : No attempt by police to talk to the man, no attempt to make an arrest, they shot him 20 seconds after arrival on the scene. I'm british, for better or worse. A little while back we had a couple of radicalised muslim men who ran over a soldier and then proceeded to stab him to death. The armed police showed up (highly trained professionals, as our regular police force do not carry guns) and shot both of these criminals. Both lived and faced trial. Isn't that what justice is supposed to be? No man should die for stealing, even if he is trying to provoke the police into killing him- That's the fundamental issue underpinning "protect and serve." Even if a citizen is a danger to himself, the police should protect him from himself. That is the duty of a police force, not as a paramilitary death squad.

Michelle Vineberg i have never respected law enforcement. only avoided them whenever possible. the law and it's enforcement is fantasy. Like nerdy LARPers playing magic out in a park. it is only words written on paper you have never seen by dead people you have never met. and it brainwashes you daily. wake the F#CK up. government is obsolete.

Michelle Vineberg Actually, no. They are only permitted to use one level of force above the force being used against them. There for if he was armed with a knife, they can use deadly force. They cannot just shoot someone who yells at them or even uses physical force, unless that force may result in serious injury or death.

Dave Jenkins u can think its myrder i would never charge a cop like this would U??? so enough with this nonsense .......and if u would charge a cop like this then u have NO respect for law enforcemeent.....now is there anything else the cop could of done???? i cant answer that but i tell u....how do u know this person did not have a gun behind him do if u cant as a lahyman understand both sides here then u need to an education and the planet i am from is earth who sits in a fair and balanced sit....i never once insulted u dave so give it up when u learn to debate like an educated person come and talk to me other wise u r just another yahoo

Michelle Vineberg "debate like an educated person" Sweetie, no offense but we have a saying here. It goes like this: learn to spell before you accuse people of being uneducated, or you're going to look a bit silly.

Darla Larkin "And cops decades ago were trained efficiently to take down people without using guns especially in situations like this without modern era tazers etc." No they were not. This is why training standards have changed.

Michelle Vineberg: I suffer from severe anxiety, major depression and suicidal ideation. Do you think if I am not well and not thinking clearly and walk up to a policeman and yell shoot me shoot me, that I should be killed? Actually being a white female I know I wouldn't. It is so sad that there are so many ignorant people in this country that approve of this.

Robin Doucette robin thats where ppl do not get it!!!!!!!! if a cop tells u to stand down the do it!!! i want to live not die what is wrong with ppl these days to even think the cop will not shot get a grip there r other ways to fight these cops!!!

The presence of video sure changes the dynamic, doesn't it? What if the officers in Ferguson had used dash and collar cams? Wouldn't a great deal of violence and hard feelings have been averted? I can not think of a single piece of equipment that has done as much as video has to improve citizens' interactions with police.

Elizabeth Conley are you out of your fucking mind the very last thing they needed were there gunsthey could have easily pulled across the street talk to him from across the street had perfect view of the whole entire situation and waited for backupdeadly force should always be a last resort they pulled up wanted to kill this manand the story from the police officers from the get-go was a lie if the man was schizophrenic mentally disabled he deserve the chance that's just plain ass fucking bullshit

Reno Morrow - calling a stranger a bitch, and retarded, does not help your argument. I totally agree with you that these officers totally screwed up and shot a man for no reason, but you don't need to be so mean to strangers. Try making the world a better place instead of spreading hate. Especially in light of whats going on in this country right now, more love never hurt anyone. Just a thought.

Reno Morrow, who is retarded? First this article said the guy didn't come within 10 feet of the officers, but as anyone who watched the video can clearly see, he fell at the officers FEET... easily within 2 feet of the officer. Next, a untrained child with a knife can EASILY inflict critical wounds against even the most trained individual... NOONE wins in a knife fight... Lastly and MOST importantly, tazers are not some mystical magical tool that solves everything... Go look up statistics on how effective they are.... Please, please, PLEASE go learn something about critical incident handling and self defense...We don't live in the land of hollywood... this is real life.... Now who is retarded??

Andrew Marshall so shoot him dead, not incapacitate, shoot dead, twice over. An untrained child cannot EASILY inflict critical damage on trained individuals. If that were the case then the officers in question are simply not trained. Furthermore if an officer CAN'T defend against a child with a knife, they have NO BUSINESS being "peacekeepers" armed with firearms. Agreed tazers aren't always effective, that is why their are alternatives, i.e. baton, mace, both of which will incapacitate. If a "trained" individual can't diffuse a knife possession and a mentally ill man without shooting him several times, they need to find a new job asap.

Leigh Reed II Exactly! When DID lethal force become option number one? Imagine this identical scenario on the steps of some rich prep school with a disturbed student. It's also odd how I hear no one pointing out all the innocent bystanders in this heavily populated area. Thankfully they didn't hit someone else with a stray shot. But I guess it's hard to miss from around ten feet.

Reno Morrow, Ethen Teo and Leigh Reed II. You moronic assholes think you know what it's like being a police officer? Have you ever been a police officer? let alone been shot at or attacked by a knife wielding person? The black male was walking in an aggressive manner toward police with his hands down and partially hidden after being ordered to raise his hands and stop and get on the ground so the police could inspect for weapons. They had already been called to the spot by someone telling them that this person was acting aggressively and possibly had a weapon on him. This person should not have approached the police without raising his hands. The police are trained to pull their firearms when the threat of imminent death is possible not their Tazers. Police procedure dictates that the police defend their lives and the lives of the citizens around them with deadly force in such an instance. The person should have followed the police officers orders to begin with. After the Brown shooting the possibility of other radical persons attacking police is highly likely because of the protesters riots and looting the police have to be ready for anything to happen even the worst.

Elizabeth Conley I have a few questions for you and everyone else who thinks these officers used the correct methods in this "incident".

Keep in mind that there is no comparing these officers with you or a normal civilian. These officers are trained to "protect and serve". Correct me if I'm wrong, but part of that if defusing a situation in the most peaceful way possible. Here are my questions.

1. If the officers used the correct force here, why did the officers use false statements in the report? We clearly see that the man is more than three feet away and he is not charging them with a knife in the overhand position.

2. If a tazer is not always effective, why is the city wasting tax dollars on them? To me, and this is only my opinion, situations like these are the reason officers started carrying them.

3. What if one of those 9, and I repeat, 9 bullets hit an innocent civilian? A child? An elder? My brother was a cop. And part of his training was combat training. You mean to tell me that they couldn't have tazed this man and apprehend him after he dropped the supposed weapon?

4. Some say "what if" the guy had a gun as well? If this was true, wouldn't the officers have protected themselves behind the door of their vehicle if they thought that was a threat? I'm pretty sure they were well exposed and was not really worried about him having anything other than a knife.

The guy was in the wrong. I agree with that. But the officers are trained to protect and serve. Not to execute. To me, this looked like laziness on the officers end. They just shot him. No use of any other available weapon. I mean come on guys. You are telling me this guy would still be a threat if they used pepper spray and a tazer? A man is dead because he stole 2 energy drinks. I guess that's how you lose your right to a fair trial and get executed in the U.S now right?

Reno Morrow You are the ignorant one. If a person is approaching a police officer with a knife drawn, he/she is going to get shot. Police Officers in most states are trained that 21ft is the least safe distance they can encounter someone with a knife due to the person having momentum when charging them. Real guns do not have the same dynamic as what you see in TV shows and movies. Just because a person is shot, doesn't mean they are instantly stopped. Police Officers are not required to retreat from a life or death situation and most will not. If people don't want to be killed by the police, then they shouldn't approach them with weapons. Those of you that bitch and complain about the police doing their jobs may one day find out what its like to live without them. Go back and look at human history and see what that would be like.

He kept pushing them and was acting very stupid. he should have taken his hands out of his pockets and quit acting like an ignorant fool. trying to be tough like that is the reason he got what he did and taser? screw that!

Reno Morrow Please ,slow down cause you do not know all that happened with this man who did not comply and when you don't you are putting yourself at risk. It does however look like he wanted this to happen. Now try really hard if you reply to be civilized. I trust that you will be able to do that. Or maybe not

Yes the video does change it it makes it even MORE obvious that the officers are trigger happy and in the wrong! They were TAXPAYER funded to learn to respond correctly in these types of scenarios. Obviously these scaredy cats didn't learn much. They should be fired and "real" men or women who have learned how to de escalate a situation need to take their positions. And many of MY family and my husband's family are in LAW ENFORCEMENT, they would NEVER murder a mentally ill man in this situation!

home of the free and land of the free. Fuck that, send me back to prison where it is safe. We totally live in a corporate police state, People please inform you with your legal rights, it might save your life someday. Check out the first, second fourth, fifth, and sixth amendments as a start. It's not right it is your responsibility. If we don't take care of each other who will. I'll let you decide. Open you eyes people we have become brain-dead meat being herded to the killing floors

James Penland If that's the case, then why did the officers break the distance rule. They pulled up and had closed to that distance before they got out of the damn SUV. This is clearly a poorly handled situation. the worse part is that they were trained that way. both guys had guns drawn before both feet were on the pavement and both guys started shooting at the exact same time. That's how they were taught and it is dead wrong, intended. They could have stopped another car length back and been at a safe distance to use non lethal means. It's obvious this was assisted suicide because he looked back to make sure he was on camera before he walked towards them, but these cops thinking they are in the fucking army has to stop.

Joseph Mccullough The Criminal stole something sat it on the curb waited for the cops to arrive then charged them with a knife he committed suicide it was not murder, He planned the whole thing.Otherwise he would have left the scene and not waited for the cops to arrive.

Joseph Mccullough So let me break it down so i dont have to hear your ignorant ass arguing over something you think you know about cause clearly you have no education in the field of police work.

For one the cops didnt shoot him cause he stole drinks and a muffin they shot him cause he came at them with a knife

the officers see his hand clutching something is his pocket (guns are drawn) cops dont know what he is concealing. Cops tell him "get your hands out of your pockets" repeatedly, the man refuses to comply. The man walks closer to the cops, cops say drop the knife repeatedly the man does not comply and gets closer and closer. The man walks closer with the knife well within the 15ft range of rule of engagement. Boom gets shot.

and dont even try to argue ....Well he could have tased him... BS if he would of tried to tase him the cop would of died. A taser is not going to stop forward momentum from a guy running at u with a knife.

Since when is it wrong for cops to fear for their life? they are humnas just like us. Im sure if that guy came at you with a knife u prolly would of unloaded on him aswell.

Robert Ingebrets I see no where that he charged. The victim walked to he front of the care and took one step and before his foot landed for a second step the cops opened fire. Watch the video closely, he never charged!

I have talked with professional police officers that have said their training includes hand to hand combat, including dis-arming folks with knives. It's just so much easier to take 'em out with your gun, less chance of getting your uniform dirty.

Joseph Mccullough ....I agree that the para military attitude is wrong...but there are many that use paramilitary against officers.....training needs to be addressed... but lethal force against lethal force...non lethal against non lethal....they get paid to protect people but not to die for them...

Joseph Mccullough , nice to meet someone with telepathic powers. Having the ability to read the someones mind, after the fact must be awesome. Just because he looked in the direction of the guy with the phone out doesn't mean he was looking to see if someone was recording this. He clearly was a little paranoid and a more likely reason is he was checking to see if there was another cop or someone was coming at him from behind. Also, when they first stopped, the cops were at least 30 feet from where he was. Look at where the energy drinks are sitting. That's where he was when they stopped. Objectivity is the key.

James Penland So if your legally armed and a cop approaches are you ok to shoot? Don't you need to be in danger. With that known fact if a cop approaches you are in mortal danger these days if they have their guns out, even if they are near you.

Hello Elizabeth, I noticed your comments about the murder of that young man and I understand them But everyone must have some understanding of mental illness. I am not a police officer and my sister works at a mental institution where she is constantly attacked by patients with spoons, knives, forks and whatever else they can find and she has never murdered or harmed not one. These men are supposed to be trained for these instances but instead they chose to gun him down. Let's just think if they were in fear of their lives why not shoot him in both legs, his hands where the weapon is but no they shot him nine times and if you notice they did not even have the decency to stop and call an ambulance after the overkill. Tragic and injust!!

In resp to Anita Cooper, its admirable working with the mentally ill but in this day and age with people killing other people for no reason outside of "Slenderman", School shootings, social bombings, etc and all the crazy drugs people are on causing them to "eat People" and then work the crazy streets trying to protect and serve, have a man coming at you with a weapon drawn yelling shoot me! and see how fast you stop and think...."i'll shoot him in the leg" these things happen in an instant and instinct takes over, protect yourself and others in harms way. It has nothing to do with skin color or anything like that, This guy was on a mission to die and he succeeded.

Jason Kendrick ...NO...he was on a mission to get on FaceBook if you listen carefully...running his mouth does not mean any kind of intent at all if mentally ill or all drugged out...crazy people doing crazy violence has been happening long before you were born in this country...that is not the point at all....the bottom line is these officers are supposedly trained to stop and think...if these two needed more time than they easily could have backed up and it would take someone not too sharp to quickly identify this guy was a high probability for self injury and a mental meltdown....an idiot could see that immediately...the cops pulled up guns already drawn and gave it how much time to assess the possibility he could be taken down a number of ways???....the only thing in harms way upon the arrival of the cops was the grass....NO procedure was followed to buy time and allow backup to arrive...or create distance to better address possibilities for a number of ways to take him down....making excuses for people who are supposed to be trained to preserve life first when indeed they drive straight into within a dozen feet guns drawn and kill within what...about 20 seconds????....your argument fails miserably.

Darla Larkin your argument is the one that fails. He said he has a Facebook and instagram before the cops arrive. The cops rolled into the situation of a man with a knife refusing to slow down and drop the weapon. He got within feet of the officers and they opened fire. What is your argument? He wanted to get a million hits on Youtube? One last thing, No procedure was invoked? Take your hands out of your pocket!, Drop the weapon, Do not come closer, these are the procedures you were talking about and 20 second to assess the situation. I am sure it take you 10 minutes to order a sandwich at the drive thru. Not being mean or hateful but 20 seconds isn't enough time to assess anything.

Jason Kendrick if you think that was good police work then you are just a little green. very poor police work and the should be charge with murder. i think they knew what they were going to do when they pulled up there. everyone should be concerned if police are allowed to get away with this action. this is unamerican.

Okay, I take something from your home, property, I could be mentally ill.... You call the cops, they come and I am on your property still with a weapon in pocket. I proceed towards the police the same speed and mannerism that the man in the video displayed and I was shot, would that be justified? Same situation, correct. Stolen items from another property, no one knew the guys intent, etc

Jason Kendrick THE POLICE JOB IS NOT VOLUNTARY,THEY GET PAID FOR WHAT THEY DO, THEY HAVE BEEN TRAINED TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION IN SITUATIONS LIKE THIS,THEY ARE NOT IN A WAR ZONE,EVEN IF HE WAS READY TO DIE THE POLICE COULD HAVE HAD A DIALOG WITH HIM,WE ALL DESERVE A SECOND CHANCE,ONLY GOD KNOWS WHAT WAS GOING THROUGH HIS MIND,IMAGINE IF THIS GUY WAS A BROTHER TO ONE OF THE POLICE WOULD THEY HAVE KILLED HIM?

obviously you have issues with anger as well or have cap locks on which means you were in a hurry to type this without thought. You pretty much answered your own question which is sad cause I wanted to answer it. :o/

Levit Kenneth Markent Dunkwu The police in every state or losing their pensions cause the government wants more money for themselves. Should the police just get maimed or killed? What happens to their families without the income. They are losing their insurance for this also. Maybe you should wake up and see what has happened in so many cities across the U.S. My hometown has lost so many because of no pension and the crime rate rose 685. These cops are in their rights to defend themselves against a thug.

David Redhawk-DaSilva THE POLICE HAVE THE RIGHT TO EARN WHAT EVER THEY HAVE WORKED FOR,THE GUY YOU CALLED A THUG IS SOMEBODIES BROTHER,FATHER AND FRIEND,IMAGINE IF THIS THUG WAS YOU BROTHER OR A FRIEND,REMEMBER WE ALL HAVE CRAZY PEOPLE IN OUR FAMILIES,NOBODY IS PERFECT,I BET YOU IF THESE COP GETS CALLED BY HIS FATHER TO SETTLE A FAMILY DISPUTE INVOLVING GUNS AND KNIFES HE WOULD CHOSE TO DIALOG WITH HIS BROTHER INSTEAD OF KILLING HIM

Clint Budgen murder isn't ok, this was not handled well. how many shots were made, too many! time to train police to use the less lethal tools available. what if they killed someone you loved? would you be ok with their death?

Jason Kendrick If a cop, who's supposedly been trained, can't properly assess the situation, maybe they should choose another career. Frankly, the sheer number of shots was overkill. Further, the notion of shooting the guy in the leg is totally justified; why the hell does it have to be to the core of the body? You sound like another 'pro-gun' half wit hiding behind all kinds of stupid rationale to justify this type of action. This situation did NOT have to result in the man's death.

for shit's sake, I have a nephew with a mental disorder ...it's called autism... and I have friends with children who are autistic, as well. I have first hand experience in witnessing how erratic a person with a mental disorder can be, and it scares the shit out of me that cops can get so trigger happy like this instead of thinking rationally, LIKE THEY WERE HIRED AND ARE PAID TO DO.

I can say this without a doubt: Violence is never the answer to anything. There is always a better alternative. Fucking cops and their mindless, authoritarian attitudes...

Listen....just because this man was mentally ill...does not justify the cops killing this man. They should have found a way to take him in without shooting him. We need to care about the mentally ill. Everyone who has a mental problem is not dangerous. The stigma that mental illness has on it needs to be broken. I would rather encounter someone like him, then them two gun crazy nut cases that you cant lock away in a mental institution.

Brian P Cook No one has any idea what the person who called the police in the first place said about the guy. He could have said anything. He could have told the police that he was very angry and was threatening everyone as you heard him tell people to get away from him, back the f*** up, etc.
We do not know all the aspects leading up to the cops arrival. I mean this had been going on for a while and there is much more to this as the man recording the video said someone whet and told him what was up so he grabbed his camera and went himself to record everything. I mean this guy must have been putting on a pretty good show in order to garner that type of attention and for a long period of time.
The situation was a volatile one, however I will tell you what. Next time something like this happens I hope the police calls you and tells you to alleviate the situation with a rose, a bible, and a box of chocolates and see how much longer you will be around.

Winston Donald Are you fn high!!!! Where in the hell do you get INNOCENT? You my friend are the epitome and inspiration behind the word FUCKTARD. Who said he was mentally ill? Just by his ignorance and judgment does not make him "mentally ill" it makes him ignorant. Also after they finished firing on the guy he was still moving so he expired a minute or longer after they quit firing, no one knows when he passes. There are so many things that you assume but have zero fact to back it up.
As far as your one shot isn't enough? statement. Have you ever seen a person jacked on drugs and adrenaline? It takes a lot more than a bullet to put some people down when they are in that state.

Jason Kendrick da guy who shoot up a movie theater in Colo didn't die, ted bundy tried to take da officer's gun, he didn't die....cops r getn paid to accept a lil danger & still defuse da situation without killn some1...when did being a cop mean not being in AAAny Danger, Cant be in any danger if u IMMIDIATELY SHOOT/UNLOAD ON EVERY LITTLE SMALL POSIBILITY OF A THREAT....IF THEY'RE THAT SCARED THEY SHOULDNT BE POOOLICE OFFICERS, GO WORK IN A FACTORY OR SOMEWHERE &&&& GO TO CHUUURCH CAUSE THEY'RE SUUUPER SCARED....BANG BANG BANG BOOM BOOM BOOM TRIGGER HAPPY SCARED, NOOOT POLICE OFFICER QUALITY!!!!!!

Clint Budgen Doesn't matter what your fucking rights are idiot. Use some restraint and common sense. I have the right to wish your entire family dies because if they raised you I would prefer that they stop living.

All you people commenting on here are missing the point. Its not wether he had a gun or a knife, its not about what he stole. When a police officer tells you to stop and take your hands out of your pockets you do it. This man did not stop, he continued towards the officers yelling shoot me while holding a knife. Anyone with common sense and a gun pointed at them would stop, drop the knife and surrender to the officers. This man who was killed died because of his own actions.

he was suicidal, first off, so yes he was killed by his own actions.
thats not what the conversation is about.
the conversation is about the fact that these men feel they have the right to take our lives if necessary, and even have been trying to disarm us.
honsetly he could ahve threw the knife at them. not saying they werent in danger, im just saying training is being needed to where they can control situations without taking someones life. Batman never used guns....

You seem to forget this was not a man with all his marbles and should have been handle differently! He is not going to do what he is told to do! He does not deserve to get his life snuffed out because he doesn't know better..

Benjamin Franklin man police deal with situations everyday . theyve delt with shit and seen shit that they wish wouldnt have happened that way . you know hoe many people kill cops .. just because they have a ball sack and with confront a problem no matter who it is doesnt mean there not scared .. that man had a weapon was obviuosly high and didnt give a fuck .. i would have shot the mother fucker too .. and dude you sound like a fucking fool .. batman slaughtered men with his bare hands and advanced gadgets for 1 and for 2 batmans fake ... go ahead and be a grammar nazi

Anthony Dominguez 1 it was a joke
2 i bet the amount of cop killed isnt close to the amount cop kills
3 why are we counting
4
5. this is how you respond to the scene
6. grammar nazi?
http://www.10news.com/news/san-diego-police-respond-to-possibly-armed-man-in-mission-bay

I didnt see a knife but how you no tbere wasnt a mental problem wrong with this man and yes he was still walking up on the officer and if they felt the need to shoot him when he hit the ground that was enough but they shot him and then handcuff him like he was going to come back from the dead if cops fear they life that much maybe they need to find them another job he could been ill are on drugs but it was two officer after that one are two shots the could have tooken him down thats somebody life there no excuse for that but i pray for him and the officers

Too many shots I'll agree with, but you don't know what you'd do in that situation either. Mentally disturbed or not, you would defend yourself if he came at you with a knife too. It isn't the people defending the cops ruining this country, it's the people defending the criminals.

obviously you never seen a motherfucker strung out before .. memeber the motherfucker than ate that mans face we went after the cops tooo you stupid motherfuckers ... pissing me off ... assume hes mentalll .. have you never herd of bathsalts fucking speed pcp you people are stupid af and letting the media control your thoughts ... I WOULD HAVE SHOT THE STIPUD MOTHERFUCKER TO

Ann Magana so how are Police Officers supposed to tell when someone has all their "marbles" intact? They can't, so unless you know a way to tell the difference they treat a crazy person with a deadly weapon like a normal person with a weapon.

Trevor Jessup n say he is mental .. he is a threat to the people if thats how he behaives when hes off his meds . not that makes it justified for killing him . but if they woulda tazed him and he turned out crazy guess where hes going for the rest of his life a mental insitution . n me personally would rather be dead than to wait to die in a crazy house alone with noone

RYAN can I tella police officer to stop. when they commit crimes. what would you do if you mother was raped and murdered by a white cop and she was left on side of a street. I used to be like you it it happned to me... my witness was beaten to death my 6 police officers. a 54 years old man and a vet .... http://i42.tinypic.com/35iunpf.jpg

Benjamin Franklin Batman was also a fictional charter! We live in the real world. He was wanting to be shot. The only way they could have possibly done anything different was to back off and wait for more help. Then there would have been comments about the "scared" police backed off. In this day an age of video recorders of all type everyone can be an armchair quarterback!

Benjamin Franklin So, are you planning to put yourself in a situation where the police feel the need to disarm you or take your life. If you are not doing anything wrong, you aren't likely to run into a problem.

You guys are have no clue. Unless you've been a cop, you should stop hypothesizing about what they could have done. We are not trained to shoot people in the leg or arm.That is a Hollywood myth. An attacker with a knife can close the distance of 15 feet in 2 seconds. There is no time for second guessing. We also do not use tasers in deadly force encounters. Taser fails, and they do. We die. We are the last ones who want to take a life, we just want to go home to our families at the end of the day. Just like anyone else. I became a cop over 20 years ago to help and protect people. So does most every other police officer. You try going to work 5 days a week, 8+ hrs a day, putting your life on the line, not sure if you're going home that day, people don't call you because they are having a party, they call you because shit has hit the fan. And we do our jobs because its our way of service to others and trying to make the world a little bit better and safer.That man chose his fate. Plain and simple. Unfortunately he committed his suicide by cop. I posted a video link. Tasers don't always work. I know from 1st hand experience. And also, look at the video in the discussion. After being shot, the offender falls to the officer's feet. That's not 10- 15feet away. And again, 2 seconds to close 15 feet. Try it yourself. Barely any time to react.

where is my justice mr cop. my witness to police misconduct was beaten to death by 6 police officers. SO mr piggy where the fuck is my justice. you bacme a cop 20 years ago hwo many time di dyou ignore crimes of dirty cops. hwo many tiem did you stop rape or homelss women commited by dirty cops. NOT ONCE.. I bet. a cop once held a gun to my head and called me a sand nigger I took it away form him and called the police I did not kill him .so why do dum fat peaces of shit cops murder children and get away with it . http://i42.tinypic.com/35iunpf.jpg

Less than one half of one percent of police officers are found guilty of corruption. I've never once ignored a crime or been a witness to corruption. Good cops hate bad cops because it tarnishes our image and brings discredit upon our profession. You throw insults around, yet I have not done that to you. I have been kicked, punched, bitten, spit upon and shot at multiple times in my career, risking my life to protect others. So in answer to one of your questions, Ive also received numerous awards for catching rapists, shooters, robbers and murders. I've bled to protect this great nation of ours, so what have you done to make this country a little safer or a little better? And please dont include in your comments, links to nonsense or songs. You have a lot of anger in your heart son, you sound like you need a hug.

cops stay qiet and cover for each other. less then one percent of cop are found guity because system is broken. there was a cop in santa Barbara who got caught jacking of infornt of children as young as 12 years old. the judge dismayed the case against him in name of justice. The same circle of cops beat my witness to death .. my witness to police misconduct to include crime upon me and rape of home less women. by the way they are still cops. so Edward you are full of shit sir ever heard of gangster sqaad cops breaking laws and murdering people to get rid of crime in chargo...why don't we the peoepl have something like that to keep people like you in line.... just saying .. the vets returning home are joing gangs what do you think is going to happen in long run....

Sandra Aceves they shot him 9 times even when he was on the floor begging for his life. the same cop is taking money form kkk for legal reps. just saying. what kind of a cop shoots a child 9 times. some cops shoot people without guns a s many as 20-40 times. and get away with it. we need to stop giving pussies guns and making them cops.. just saying

"Imperial Wizard Chuck Murray of the New Empire Knights of the Ku Klux Klan called for donations to the police officer last week in an email obtained by the Southern Poverty Law Center. "

When there is a line drawn between right and wrong will you find your self next to them...what kind of cop would take money from kkk. the one you can be proud of I guess. a public defender is not good enough ?... hitler sadam and people like them would be so proud of some of you

I don't know what happened in Santa Barbara, but if that's the case then you should go to the Justice Department. As for a lot of the other things, you are quite wrong. You have a good day. Salaam alaikum.

your ignoring this what kind of a cop are you have you ever stopped a rape of a homeless woman by a cops. how about a murder of homeless by a cop. I bet not even once. SO tell me mr cop what are you doing when children are being murdered by cops. you lack due diligence. there I s no way you heard all posted recording so fast.is this how you od your job.as a detective my witness was beaten to death by 6 police officers and they are still cops. a child was shot 9 tmes even when he was rolling on the ground by a cop sho istaking money form kkk. if cops are goingt o act like a gang they should all be treated as a gang. just my thoughts. list to the you tubne at least. .may be patria act by military should be extended over cops because clearly some and not all cops are being domestic terrorists. what makes them more dangerous is that they wear badges and are here and funded by our own taxes.... and yeah speeding tickets tooo
.. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iimwJYgjAEY

If you're talking about the guy in the video being shot 9 times, where do you hear him begging for his life??? The only thing I heard was him yellinh "shoot me!!" "kill me!!" . And since you are ignorant of what it is like to be a police officer, let me school you a little, every single police academy across the country trains police officers to continue shooting until the threat is eliminated. That's why it called use of deadly force. As for your other questions, no I have not come across police officers committing criminal acts, if I did I would absolutely arrest them or turn them in. I'm not saying there aren't bad cops out there, but they are a very small percentage. You want to say that all police officers are bad or corrupt and you are grossly wrong. Get your facts straight.

Ali Raheem give it up your arguments have become invalid. Edward is telling the truth. The problem in America is now that most police officers are losing their pension and benefits because of a corrupt government. Thugs do the crime and die. So what? And if you and your "Witness were doing something wrong then you paid for what you did. And as you said you took the gun from the officer? Well then maybe even more you should have been in jail instead of being free to roam the streets. Edward Thank you for your service. I have had lots of family members that have served in the military and the police force and as lawyers and it is not easy when idiots roam the streets and think they have the rights to act stupid.

I used to be like you till it happened to me. i told my ex that i was leaving her as i suspected she wa sbeieng unfiatful . she hit back of my head as i was leaving to go back to work . I was arrested for pushing her away form me once with my left fingure. no injuries. i went to hospital for blunt force truma to my spine. I lost my home my jobs my everything. One night i was sleeping on side of a street as i got a threat to my life...some one dating cop told me by text that she going to kill me for ignroing her and all I said was what the fuck once. I called the police and reported it 4 months later I was placed in jail for 100 days given three once carrots to eat per day . ordered 3 years probation 3 k fine and ordered to leave state. without proper charge or trial. I lost my home my job every thing again. nothing like having to fight for my life in county jail and jail refusing to give me medical attention even when i was stabbed. I spent half my life serving in the US Air force. my witness to me beeing called a sand nigger at gun point by a cop was a 54 years old homeless man be was beaten to death by 6 police officers. I heard he screamed for help he was also witness to rape of homeless women. In santa Barbara there are many college kids that live out of cars some fall pray to bad cops and are found dead. check out my personal experience at odds with what I name domestic terrorist that wear badges.

Edward J. Sullins It's policy to empty your clip on those whom you, as a piece officer, are sworn to serve and protect. He had a knife and the two other "peace officers" had tasers but "wunna dems cudda gotten huwted" so BLAM BLAM BLAM and that's that, eh Edward? No wonder you psycho simps are ensuring nationwide, waning trust; Your capacities and faculties of the mind are already in the damn dumpster along with many, many a honky, I see.

No I guess the correct response Mr.Ellsworth was to put down their guns, hope the guy doesn't stab them to death, then give him a hug, hold hands and sing Kumbaya. Because you're now an expert on police tactics based off watching Hollywood cop shows. Get a clue. Read what I've already posted explaining why. Ive served/protected my community here and I've served/protected my country in Iraq. What have you done? Except sit behind a computer spouting lies and hatred? And I would even put my life on the line to protect an ignorant man such as yourself if the need arose. It's easy Monday morning quarterback, when you've never had the courage to do the job. I'm sure you wouldn't shit your pants if a deranged man charged at you with a knife, screaming at you to "Kill me motherfucker". Police officers are not trained supermen with super enhanced skills. Get s clue Sherlock.

Edward J. Sullins if a white cop offered hugs in Camden nj they could come there after 6pm.. just saying.i wa sin jail where white power gusy came after me yet im alive, there was an incident where cop put a gun on my face and clled me a sand nigger. yet I took it away form him and called 911 on him..i didn't kill the cop. just laughed at him a little. well joke wa son me as a few days later my wiitness was beaten to death. don't you bad ass cops get trained at all more then shooting targets or black kids and getting donuts..do you know hwo you gusy the cop think of rental cops I guess the military kids can look at you as jokes now .mr bad ass cop u cant kepe a kid from killing him self and you need two cops to empty aclip in him and then cuff him up, increasing audio exposes cops saying let him bleed out by the way. amazing how cool smart phones mics are now days. you not in military you a military rejected if you think two coaps can not diarm a kid with a knife without letal force what the fuck did you do in Iraq what branch di dyou serve navy or some bs hahaha just saying. I fyouserved in Iraq and youcant take away a knife from some without shotting them 9 - 20 times what business do you have being a cop ???ttp://i42.tinypic.com/35iunpf.jpg

Ali, please give it a rest. You keep repeating the same things over and over. And I'm not trying to be mean, but it's also getting harder to understand you, your sentences and spelling are getting worse as the conversation progresses. I get it, you had a bad experience and you hate cops right? Well I guess you can always call the Fire Department if you're really in trouble. I don't know what else to tell you. If you were in Chicago, and you needed help, I would respond and assist no matter how much you hate me or other police officers.

The officers did the right thing. This man carried a lethal weapon and actually went out of his way to approach the officers from higher ground (watch the video). An individual jacked up on acid can receive several shots to the body without going down. The thief with a knife yelling shoot me, shoot me aggressively approaching the officers from high ground fell approximately 6' in front of the officer. PEOPLE this man is a thief, this man has a knife, this man is aggressively approaching police officers with drawn weapons. WHY ARE YOU GIVING THESE OFFICERS A HARD TIME? The moral condition of this country is to call evil good and good evil. There are consequences to our actions and the present condition of our country seems to think there should be little if any consequences to our actions. If one of my sons acted like that man, I would wish that the officer back up or try a taser gun but at the end of the day I do not fault the officer for making a quick decision, in a hostile situation where my son is clearly in the wrong. I would grieve my son and I would NEVER blame these officers for stopping a foolish, law breaking, dangerous individual.

Benjamin Franklin I'm not a police officer but I would think the difference between the two situations is the distance between the person and the officers. Even with a gun most untrained people do not hit their target on their first shot. In my opinion the police would have been fully justified by shooting and killing that armed man as well. Why didn't they? The distance between the man and the officers has a great deal to do with it. In addition the man did not walk straight up to a police officer with his weapon. The man actually obeyed the police officers when he was instructed to move away from his gun. There are a lot of variables to consider.

This man was mentally ill and the officers job is to de escalate the situation. They instead shot him 9 times, 5 while on the ground. And yes he was a thief of 2 energy drinks for heaven's sake a life is not worth 2 energy drinks!

"An individual jacked up on acid can receive several shots to the body without going down." LOL how can someone who is as out of touch as you still exist in today's society? You have no idea how retarded what you're saying is.

Brenda Woodard Everyone would agree a life is not worth two energy drinks. No one knows if this man is actually mentally ill or not. Mentally ill or not, a man coming at you with a knife and saying shoot me, shoot me needs to be stopped. This is not about 2 energy drinks. The man escalated the situation when he comes toward officers with a knife. The officers come prepared for anything, that is reality. If you lived in their reality and faced what they face you would understand.

Brenda Woodard that was his choice. It's not an officers job to determine a persons mental status but to follow protocol. It's also hard to de escalate (as you stated) a situation when someone is coming towards you with a weapon in hand stating "shoot me!". in that judgment it would seem that would be a kill me or be killed threat. He even stated that several times before the police even arrived.

Most Police Chiefs And Top Brass Are Now Trained In Israel by Zionists This Is What Happens When We As Americans Allow Our Country To Be Hijacked by Zionists The Zionists Are In All Key Government Positions And Yes They Tell Us What To do... Zionist Ideology Is Racist By Default And Is Essentially Fanatical And Based On Some Kind Of Fantasy For Racial Superiority By So Called "Jews" A Made Up Story To Get Americans And The Entire World By The Balls...

sorry but even if it were my son. Some police do have too much power or let it go to their head and yes our nation is severely screwed up these days. I agree with all that the one thing I don't agree with is this particular situation. The police acted as trained. Period. Our country has gone to shit because of our corrupt govt. and it is very fn sad to see. There is no freedom, it's an illusion, we are not a democracy, we are a communist country with little cow pastures we are allowed to venture in. It needs to change, we need change, but that was not the topic of this discussion

yur a compleate dick head.....knob!!!!!!......i hope the same police shoot one of your family members and then i would like to hear your reply,you prick!!!!!......but then,you are a whiteman and probaly got your white hooded out fit hanging up in yu waldrobe ...wanker..

We have religious wars, every war is over religious beliefs. The war going on now is over religion. It is sad but I have a question that doesn't belong on this forum about religion that I would like a few answers to but this isn't the place for that.

Art Alvara You are right my heart is not right, Jeremiah said "the heart is desperately wicked and deceitful above all else, who can know it." Jesus said, "from with the heart of man proceeds all kinds of evil." My heart is not right and I cannot trust it, therefore I trust in the finished work of Christ and His grace for my righteousness. And as a disciple of Christ I must look to God's Word for the right heart attitude, the heart of God. And in your post that is not God speaking but your words. God has spoken to us all through the Scriptures and He has given men the right to protect themselves and has given government the power to use the SWORD, Romans 13:1-4 states, "Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer."

Art Alvara By the way the Micah passage has to do with deceiving and cheating people our to their money. They used the scale to weigh gold and silver and when you used deceptive weights a person would place more gold or silver on the scale than was fair. ;)

Drew Tara Tucker - Follow me with a humble heart open to God's word and a willingness to be wrong, pastor, and you will see God's truth.

Humans do not have the right to protect themselves through force. If my Lord told Peter that he could not protect Him when He was about to be crucified, and qualified that by telling Peter that if he did indeed bear the sword (much less a firearm) and, to wit, to protect the Lord of glory, then Peter would be subject to "living by the sword," and be deserving of "dying by the sword," then neither do you nor anyone else have the right to kill somebody in "self-defense." The right thing to do, pastor, is to turn the other cheek, die (or let die), go to heaven, and not hurt or kill another person, who is likely an unbeliever, sending them to hell for eternity, just as my fellow missionaries have done throughout the ages. That's what the truth of God says, not what you said.

Moreover, although human governments have been given the duty to be God's instrument of civil judgment on the earth, albeit to a much lesser extent than the nation of Israel (under a theocracy) had in the Old Testament, God has not abrogated his merciful and just character by granting human authorities to right to use excessive, unjust and unfair force, mercilessly.

All of scripture admonishes us to exercise mercy in our judgments, to be equal (an eye for an eye, a life for a life; not a knife for a gun, or a threat for a murder). That's what the truth of God says, pastor, not what you said.

The context of the passage in Micah, which you believe refutes my earlier post, is in fact completely irrelevant to the application of its underlying truth that God hates all unequal, out-of-balance actions (Proverbs 11:1; 16:11; 20:10). Your initial post is merciless and filled with human wisdom (James 3:13-18).

My words were not out of place, but right on point.

The officers actions in this matter were excessive: they were out-of-balance; they were unjust.

You are admonished and hopefully will have a change of heart. Although I strongly dislike when so-called Christians defend the unjust actions of an ungodly state (or nation), I'm having compassion on you. Jeremiah is irrelevant to this discussion. Of course our heart, of themselves, are wicked, but we are to have the mind of Christ, and so having an evil heart is no excuse for having no mercy and judgment:

"He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" MICAH!! ... 6 and 8.

lol. you're joking right? Then when the "bad" guys actually pull out guns the officers will have no way of defending themselves. In a country where they believe it is their right to bear arms you cannot actually think unarmed officers is a good thing.

Actually in a country where they allow the right to bear arms. I think the cops are more criminal than the criminals themselves. My attitude comes from having a corrupt police chief in the family. So, since they're completely unaccountable for their actions in the first place. They shoot more unarmed people. There are even serial killer cops on the force that other cops fucking cover for! So, I strongly feel that cops do not need firearms they need communication skills and behavioral science training. Because, they're more of a health and safety risk than the criminals themselves. They are more criminal!

Wild J. Mywildersyde Your points about corruption are valid and I don't dispute that. But I'm also not interested in discussing that since it's not on point.

What's the point in having police at all? You may as well just turn America into the movie The Purge. In other countries where cops don't carry guns it's also NOT in their constitution to have a right to bear arms, therefore greatly reducing the risk in the first place. Maybe the problem here is American beliefs.

In the end the police are there to protect the general population. A mentally-ill person carrying a knife is unpredictable and dangerous. Maybe he was about to go and kill someone? What then? Let me ask you this. If this guy had broken into someone's house and had a knife drawn, and the home owner grabbed his gun and shot him to death, is that murder? Or is that self-defense? In what way is the home owners life any different than the police officers? Officers risk their lives as well as their families every day just for being cops.

Adam Sawo police can't protect you. they don't have teleportation. it's rare for police to arrive at a situation before deaths happen.

“The police are not going to protect you when something is being perpetrated on you. They may turn up after the fact and run after that person, but you have to protect yourself,” Champion says. http://www.theguardian.com/money/2014/aug/17/police-guns-detroit-crime-race-cost-issues

Adam I still stand behind my original assessment that law enforcement should not be allowed to carry firearms. Period! I also think that Law enforcement should be held fully accountable and punished a hell of a lot harder for their misdeeds. It's not cool when they steal someone's money just because they think that a person who just sold their home should be carrying around 50k. They shouldn't be allowed to even as much as steal a dying motorcyclist money and jewelry and try and lie when it was caught on their dash camera! We don't have honest police we have corrupt police that think nothing of killing a person for a paid vacation! Even in the case of Crystal Braimes in WA over ten years ago her husband who was a abusive adulterous police chief blew her brains out and his own in front of their children at the Tacoma Mall! Police cover up way to much police injustices! That's also why they need to be completely disarmed!

And lets not forget a ruling made in the United States is police do not have to protect a person. They're only required to protect property! So if that is the case then property will never fucking die if a criminal shoots at property. Therefore, police do not need guns!

Adam Sawo looks to me like this guy set out to prove a point. he stole two drinks that he didn't consume, left them on the sidewalk, didn't flee the scene, waited for the police, even looked back to see if the people behind him were in the line of fire, then moved. the police acknowledged it was a knife, not a gun. he was shot 9 times. then handcuffed after he's dead. they could've shot his legs. police chief says taser could've missed, but there's two cops. i don't agree with him approaching the police, but i don't agree with the excessive force either.

Wild J. Mywildersyde You have got to be kidding me. You want to disarm the cops when the criminals are already better armed than they are. In MOST cases of police shootings they are justified. That is the facts. Here are the ACTUAL numbers. Police in the USA arrested over 12 MILLION people last year. out of 12 million roughly 400 suspects were killed by the police. That is less than .1%. And in MOST cases they were justified. This shooting WAS justified and the filming of it confirms it. The suspect STOLE. He had a knife. He was shot while advancing towards the officers, while being told to stop, and he did not obey the commands. You talk about bias, you are bias against police. There are some bad cops out there, I give you that. And there are even murders every year at the hands of the police that should and are prosecuted. But by and large overall these are men and women who put it all on the line for you, and you should learn to be more grateful. Don't follow in this hate talk that causes more violence. This is simple in THIS case. The man was a criminal who approached officers with a deadly weapon. He refused commands to stop and surrender. He caused the actions that day. I am sure he was mentally ill. I am sure he had a death wish. It does not make these officers the criminals because they decided in that instant that they needed to fire their weapons. I will tell you one thing, there is no way with that video, that those officers ever face charges according to the law. And I am sick and tired of hearing people spew hate over a small few instances that while important do not mean the whole of the fruit is spoiled. 400 out of 12 million. I am positive that in that 400 are a few that didn't need to happen, but most of those situations were caused by a criminal not obeying commands of an officer of the law. Cops by and large are good people with good intentions. They are human and make mistakes. But when 11,999,600 arrests happen without death and 400 with, I am not quick to blame the cops in every case, and neither should you be. NOTE- In cases where a mistake is made, all legal action against the officer should be taken. BUt it is not the problem people are flaring it up to be.

Todd I will be the first one to admit that I despise cops! This is why when my parents were going through a divorce when I was 2 1/2 years old. My piece of shit great uncle who was the police chief would cover up crimes for my father and what later became my step mother. Crimes that were committed against me! My father and his bitch were notorious for drowning me in various lakes from the time I was 2 1/2 years old, until a week before 8/25/1980. I was born in 1973 you do the math. My mother ended up finally breaking the law by running away with my sister and me. She tried to go the legal route at first to get visitations switched from unsupervised to supervised. However, every last police report that would come in regarding abuses to me, and drownings of me in various lakes in Milwaukee all disappeared. So did I get any justice for crimes committed against me? Fuck no! Never! The police are fucking douche bags in every single state and they deserve far worse treatment than criminals! So you can call me bias all you want I know first hand how truly evil they are, and if a criminal decides to eliminate a few or more off the face of the earth I will buy that person a beer!

Wild J. Mywildersyde You have my empathy for your situation, but these cops are NOT your uncle. And by and large as a whole most cops are doing the best they can with what they have to do a difficult job. I do not want to encounter a cop when I am speeding, but if someone is committing a crime against me or my family, they are the first person I want to see. And again 400 out of 12 million, it is hard to believe that is an epidemic of cops just shooting to kill every time. Which is what a lot of people are turning this into.

Todd I am a law abiding citizen. Last August 21, 2013 the police instead of getting a search warrant on my home in Washington State had the city condemn it while I was in the process of moving out of it. You think the cops are so fucking upstanding when I caught them breaking into my home, stealing my sick service dog who was on medication for a skin infection triggered by allergies. They also stolen other property of mine out of my house, and deliberately destroyed even more property of mine. I saw them drive past me on my street and put their lights on in front of my house, so I decided to spy on them instead. They were trying to use my knowledge of my service dog missing as means to arrest me for first degree criminal trespass onto my own property! I show up at their precinct with my lawyer on speaker phone. I got their confession that they broke into my house without any justifiable reasons. That it was indeed to harass and intimidate me. However, I am not easily intimidated to me knowing that I have more powers than any douche bag cop I literally backed them all into a corner in their front lobby and demanded they give me my property at once! That was a whole fucking police department not one was worthy of any trust. They all admitted to criminal behavior!

You're a clown wild...Get a clue. Serial killer cops? And where is that taking place? If you have evidence of that (you must, you wrote it here) why don't you be a responsible citizen and bring that solid information to your states attorney general's office?

Mike again supreme courts have already ruled that police have zero constitutional authority or responsibility to protect individuals from harm. Regardless if an individual has a restraining order against someone!

Wild J. Mywildersyde Court not courts. It was one and for a case to which a woman was suing the local PD of her area for not protecting her.

There are many laws however around per state that do give the right for a police department to do so and up hold the law.

If this was an outright ban on the authority. There would be not a single police force in this country.

Before using something for your argument. Try using it IN context next time and learn a little more about said "fact".

The pure hate you spew towards cops is one of the causes to the root problem. You are the other half as it were. You have the corrupt and then you have the instigators. (Ones who soapbox their hate to rally other people against the other party based off their own beliefs. Sometime inflicting harm as "justice" to innocent people)

Having personally known and still know many police officers. Not all are "bad" and thus do not deserve the hate you project out on them.

Not saying to let the bad ones get away. They should be dealt with. It's sad that many if not most of them get away with crooked shit. But blaming all on the actions of a few is just plain stupid. It's dancing with fire while pouring gas around your feet.

Steve try Washington State. I've reported a dirty cop who would pimp out teen girls including two of my friends who ran away from foster care because the whole system is corrupt. My friends were murdered along with several other teens by this cop who was later extradited to another state because his DNA was all over a five year old child that he lured away from her friend to murder! The state of WA would not charge him with the murders he committed in that state because it would fall back on the state for operating a child prostitution ring! The police in that state would come seek information from me in regards to many murders in their state. I was in a protection program for many years, until I pulled myself out and refused to cooperate anymore with them. So calling me a clown when I've been harassed for years by cops who sought me to do their fucking jobs for them without compensation, and had a much bigger target painted upon my own back. I truly resent you calling me a clown, or since you're into name calling apparently your name must be Bozo!

Mike Taylor Try again Mike there have been many supreme court rulings in regards to this matter from Washington D.C. to several other states. And to list each one that has held this ruling would take too long. But for a fee I'd be more than happy to pull up every single supreme court ruling that states and their state of origin, even down to their year that the ruling was made for you. Just to prove and nail home the point!

As a Combat Veteran I can honestly say that it hurts to see some washed-out scum like this not use half the common sense that we use in a combat zone. No regard for SOP. How dare anybody ever equate men like these to REAL men in uniform who have lived in constant fear of RPGs, roadside bombs(did anyone in St. Louis ever pack enough C4 in a camels ass to sink it's teeth into Armor Plating? Didn't think so.), suicide bombers... etc. I know that things are not as crazy as they were over there, for us anyway, but you should still think before you inadvertently minimize the sacrifices some people actually make. You aren't sacrificing a thing by gunning people down in the streets. Could have shot him in the leg or near his feet at the ground. They have no idea what sort of mental state he was in. He could have been a schizophrenic, or just on something a little more weaponized than weed or booze. They didn't escalate force. They just unloaded half their clips into him. 9 rounds is extremely excessive force at that range. It makes you wonder what kind of people we are giving guns to and turning loose on our streets. I didn't sign my name on the damn lines over and over and go through what I did to watch gestapo bitches like this make my friends who are still in uniform look bad. No matter what the victims motives, they have made him a martyr, and in the process, they hurt everyone. This death is sad, but what is sadder is that it is most likely just fallout from recent events and that they are now using "fear" as an excuse to gun fill a body with bullets. I feel sorry for anyone who thinks that these cops were right. I hope that when this whole system collapses, you are the first people to go. We have been the fosters of stupidity and ignorance for entirely too long, and your genes aren't helping at all.

James, I just call it like I see it my friend. There is something wrong in this country and until we can unite as a people WITHOUT religion, color, or creed, this type of shit will continue to go unchecked. The problem sadly, is not our government, its us. The government is an embodiment of our poor decisions as a society. Decisions to let people into power that, while upfront, their intentions and actions may be of some quick benefit to us, but in the long run, enslave us. I am not equating our suffering to that of the earliest African Americans. I am however saying that, as this current situation continues to escalate, we Americans will all slowly become the reincarnation of the earliest African Americans. Fighting, working and dying for the simplest of lives. We are all "black" in the eyes of men who have no conscience. Until we all realize that we are all cut from the same proverbial "cloth", nothing can be done to "re-secure" our rights as dictated by the Declaration of Independence.

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.
He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.
He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.
He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.
He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.
He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.
He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.
He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.
He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.
He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harrass our people, and eat out their substance.
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.
He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:
For Quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:
For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:
For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:
For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences
For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:
For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:
For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.
He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.
He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.
He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.
He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.
He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.

Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our Brittish brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which, would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.

You, my friends can agree I think, that we do not live in the Nation our forefathers envisioned. Men like us, true patriots, men that I love, and always will as the closest of brothers, died so that these cops could get their "get outta jail free cards". Doesn't that make you all warm and fuzzy inside!?

Mentally ill and agitated doesn't make him any less of a threat. Also did these police officers have time to run a background check on the man to know he was mentally ill? Someone at that distance with a knife and knows what they are doing can be extremely dangerous. And tazers are not always effective take some time and watch videos of people who keep functioning after being tazed by police issued tazers.

Mitch Mitchell Damn calling someone a pussy on the internet must make you a real badass.... Now with that being said do you know the mental state of the person? Do you know his intentions? Do you know what he would have done if they hadn't shot? Nope and neither do I. Fact is if he wouldn't have gone at them with a knife he wouldn't have been shot. He knew what the cops were going to do and he did it anyways.

Mitch Mitchell 1%er can refer to many different things. Also not to take away from what you've done while working in psychiatry but every situation is different. If someones comes at you with a knife its different then someone pulling a knife out and threatening you. In the first situation someone is intending to hurt you. In the second situation they are considering taking hostile action. Now yes its possible to restrain someone with a knife but doing so requires you to have a'lot of skill and practice and requires your attacker to not have much skill and even then the risk of getting seriously injured in disarming someone is very high. And who are we to ask Police to take that risk? They have families also. And equally deserve the right to get back to them. And same with the tazer. There are many videos of people who still function after being tazed and people who are on pcp and certain drugs also have increased chances of being able to function while being tazed. Now as far as my dad. First I don't think my dad would walk at a police officer with a knife out after being told to stop. if he did he would know what to expect. How would I feel? Pissed at my dad for doing something so dumb.

i dont understand why we keep questioning the police. If these people didnt break the law they wouldnt have been put in these situations with the police i dont care who u are black white yellow purple dont break the law dont try and fight a police officer and ur dumbass wouldnt get shot. fuck all these people out here saying the police are wrong im sorry u go deal with a idiot with a knife that just stole sumthing and is walkin around u saying shot me.. if it was me and they got that close to me hell yea i would shot them, also when u shoot somone u shot to kill.. its ur life or theres . So basically dont b dumb and break the law and if u come in contact with the police shut ur mouth and do as ur told.. i think if everyone had a gun it would make criminals and bad guys think twice before stealin, pickin fights with people, just a thought..

imma pray for you stealing doesnt mean i should die and yes if you break the law you should go to jail but how do you no he wasnt mentally ill arent cops trained for those type of situration they didnt try to see what was going on are nothing because if someone is telling me to shoot them then something is wrong those was two healthy big cops they could have found a better way and if they was scared for they life and he had a litttle pocket knife they need a new job because being a cop isnt for tbem iam sorry some of you people on here is sick and heartless and i pray god come into your life and for the record i no all cops are not bad we got some good ones that take pride in what they do and dont use there uniform as a weapon to mistreat people black are white

Brenda Woodard, how would you have handled this differently in the 10 seconds between the cops rolling up and the man charging them with a knife? Asked him if he was mentally ill and if he was feeling ok when he's charging at you with a deadly weapon? Good god you people are dense.

If you believe that is true you should google Jonathan Ferrell who was killed for banging on someone's door to ask for help after he was an accident... There is a clear racial divide in this country and only the blind dont see it, now i'm not justifying this guy's actions because he did have a weapon and he was within 21 feet, but the truth is the truth

and another thing all these criminals think they have rights fuck no when u broke the law all ur rights go out the fucking window im sick of hearing about all these fuckers that are in jail that think they are get treated wrong u fucked up u get nuthin but sumthing to eat which is chosing for u u dont get pepsi machines snack machines to buy tv or radios ur ass get cerel peanut butter and jelly sandwick and sum fuckin noodles u dont get to choice why because u fucked up oh yes everyone fucks up do ur time and maybe if we make it harder on people that fuck up they wont do it again or think twice im sick of paying for ALL THESE WORTHLESS POS people that fuckin live of the system when im out workin myass of cause they cant work or they have a disability fuck that quit being fuckin lazy people thats whats wrong with this world rant done thank you have great day and if u dont like what i said u can fuck right off

you might think you do but i feel totally different if iam acting like a nut please let killing me be the last result there was two cop trained to be put in dangerous situation i could understand if it was one then yes do what you half to do but thats just my opinion.

Brenda Woodard Exactly how are the officers supposed to determine that this man was mentally ill in that situation?
You sit there and judge from behind a keyboard after having the luxury of seeing this video as many times as you want, not having a clue what it's like to actually live that moment.

joe dokes why does being mental ill give u the rite to act a fool charge people witha knife or steal somthing that isnt yours?????? say it wasnt a cop and its was u walkin down the street and if lets say were like myself that has my consealed handgun licence and carrys on a reg and just minding ur own bussiness and sum buddy that u dont know does this to u runs at u with a knife and threatings u ???? whatca gonna do give them a hug and understand they have a mental illness no ur gonna pull out ur gun and let them know they come any closer ur gonna shoot them

^^^^does that give everyone the right to act like and idiot??? cause they lost a loved one??? thousands of people die everyday its called life, thats not an excuse. seems these days everyone has an excuse for everything exsept takin responsibility for the actions

God damn it. Another one of you sticking up for the police and not only that but you too are an illiterate sack of shit. Don't you have spell check or something? Did you ever bother to pick up a book? Might I suggest "1984." I think it would certainly be something you would be interested in. If you want something for your reading level I suggest "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie." I really just want to insult you for being the fuck up you are. Please kill yourself. I don't even care if it's painful, slow or embarrassing. Just get it done.

Okay, he says, "shoot me, shoot me now motherfucker". Then takes his hand out of his pocket, and he brandishes a knife. The police are telling him to put the knife down, but he approaches one of the officers with a knife. WTF did you think was going to happen? Angry guy with knife approaching police. The guy did this to get into a confrontation with the police. He put the drinks on the sidewalk and started getting crazy before the cops got there. Quick question for all the crazies out there. If someone comes at you with a knife and they are only 10 feet away, are you gonna let them stab you? And for all the people that said he should have been pepper sprayed, or Tased.. You gotta understand they didn't know what he had in his pocket, could have been a handgun. If it was, and you already have a can of pepper spray in your hand, how dead do you feel?

Mental Illness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The police are wearing bullet proof vests and had their weapons aimed at him. Even if he had somehow managed to pull a gun the police had the advantage. They shot him 9 times, 5 while on the ground. People "act crazy" when they are mentally ill!!!! Would an officer be justified to shoot 9 rounds into a man in a wheelchair because he wouldn't stand? That is how silly the comment is when someone says "he should have just stopped and obeyed." HE CAN'T HIS BRAIN IS SICK! That is WHY we taxpayers pay for officers to learn how to de escalate these situations to keep us all safe.

Brenda Woodard Okay, so let me see if I got this. Angry man armed with a knife, approaches armed officers saying shoot me. Disregards verbal warnings to stop and put down the weapon. He continues to rapidly close the distance while brandishing a deadly weapon. At what point do the officers call time-out and say 'lets use these brief, decision making seconds to have a psyc. eval. to determine if this person really wants to kill me?' The sad fact is they did not have the luxury of time nor any insight to his intentions. Only the subject with the knife knew what his intentions were. The officers were responding to his actions not his intentions or mind-set. Were they suppose to wait until one or both of them were stabbed or slashed to act? I'm thinking no. Also, a bullet resistive vest will not stop a knife or edged weapon. A knife will pass through them with little effort. Whether the man was suffering from mental illness or a mental break is not the issue. Mentally ill people can and have killed and harmed other people. Further, trying to negotiate with a mentally ill person on a rage nearly never works. You may be right, maybe "his brain is sick". I'm sure everyone involved wishes they could have prevented this with de-escalation but I think most would agree he did not give them time to even try.

Brenda Woodard Oh Brenda... Just throwing this out there, but a bulletproof vest isn't knife proof. And it protects you where it is situated on the body, not the neck, face, femoral artery, etc. And as you mentioned Mental illness, well, more screamed it. If a mentally ill person is coming at me with a knife, I am going to shoot him in the face, while you can try your 'de-escalation' tactics while your getting stabbed. And police are taught to shoot to kill, not wound. Don't like it? Become the Sheriff in your part of town.

Jay Billingsley Have you actually seen the video? Please re watch. It wasn't like the guy was sitting down eating a sandwich and the cops decided to shoot him. The guy came at them with a knife, and they shot him. Now let me ask you this Jay, what would you do? Die or live?

Brenda Woodard You kidding right? These cops had 10 seconds to make a judgement call about a guy with a knife that wouldnt stop advancing towards them. Any one thinks they should put their lives in jeopardy while trying to assess the mental state of an armed person has a screw loose. The shooting was a tragedy but blaming the cops is ignorant.

Robert Morrell The typical liberal response lol. Someone tries to stab you and you shoot them, RACIST! If you are liberal, and are sick of people using the race card, instead of facts, please use your influence to change the minds of your liberal friends.. But you may be called a racist for telling the truth. Good luck.

Jim Lorang 1st I wouldn't have got out da car with my gun already drawn & even if I did when I saw this guy I woulda told my partner (MYYY HEELP, SEEE 2 BIGGER SANE COPS AGANIST A MENTALLY ILL PERSON) "AA THIS GUY IS CRAZY LETS JUS TAKE DA KNIFE FROM HIM & TAKE HIS ASS TO DA PSYCHE WARD" PUT OOOUR GUNS BACK IN THEIR HOLSTERS BUT GOT MY HAND ON THE TASER THEEN TRY TO TALK TO HIM IIINNSTEAD OF JUS YEELLN ORDERS 4 HIM TO PUT DA KNIFE DOWN "HEY MAN ?S WRONG, CALM DOWN SIR, CAN I HELP U? WHY U GOT A KNIFE? MAN PUT THAT DOWN AINT NOBODY GON MESS WITH U, ?S WRONG SIR?.....AT THE SAME TIME THAT IM TRYN TO CALM HIM DOWN MY PARTNER IS POSITIONING HIMSELF CLOSER KINDA BEHIND HIM SOO IF MY TALKN DOESNT WORK HE CAN JUST KNOCK THE SHIT OUTTA HIM WIT A BATON THEN WE GOT HIS ASS && IF HE TAKES 2 GOOD HITS WIT A BATON & IS STILL RESISTN (WHICH I PROMISE U HE WASNT) THEN ILL HIT HIM WIT DA TASER....OR HIT HIM WIT DA TASER B4 THE BATON...EITHER WAY SITUATION DEFUSED &&& NO1 DIES...IF 2 COPS CANT STOP A MENTALLY ILL MAN WITH A KNIFE WITHOUT KILLN HIM THEN THEY SHOOOUUULD NOOT BE COPS!!!!! IF THEY'RE THAT SCARED THEY SHOULD GO TO CHURCH...THEN GO GET ANOOOTHER JOB!!!

This is Murder, by Police! What was the reason, that they would handcuff this guy, after they killed him? Are they scared of a dead body,also? They must be held accountable. MY THANKS, to the guy that started this video, before the cops arrived! Kudos, to you, man!

By law, an officer is not allowed to determine that death has occurred....that has to be done by a Medical Examiner,/ ie. Dr. So they follow protocol, also, they could later debate him being a threat even after they launched 9 rounds into him.

Jay Billingsley No there are videos on youtube where people are shot multiple times and still don't stop because the drugs they could be on. And like Keith said cops can't determine death so protocol states they be restrained until it is determined.

Trevor Jessup I saw a video one time in a school when a thug was shot 25 times or more and was still lashing out at officers. He did not have body armor on but was high on cocaine. An officer can never really tell what is going to happen with a suspect. I know they shot multiple times at this guy but they are trained to "Shoot to Stop Aggression" .

Keith Beasley THATS STUUUPID AS FUCK, BY COMMON SENSE THEY KNEW THAT THIS GUY WAS DEAD &&& HANDCUFFN HIM WAS JUS DISRESPECTFUL...DID U SEE THEM SHOOT HIM 5 TIMES WHILE HE WAS ON DA GROUND OR DID U TURN & START READN A POLICE OFFICER PROTOCOL BOOK THEN?.....IF URE THAT SCARED GO TO CHURCH &&&& WHEN U LEAVE CHURCH, GO FIND ANOTHER JOB....

James Hardiman In the 3 seconds that it took them from beginning to shoot until the stopped imagine trying to process everything they have to in that amount of time. Last 2 shots were over kill but then that takes it down to a whole 2 seconds that they were shooting. So until you have been in a situation that is that high stress how bout you get out of your comfy "know it all" arm chair and do something with your life.

James Hardiman I didn't write the protocol, SOP, or standards,,,,nor do I condone what happened to that kid. So as for my personal life, and my choice to attend church or not is a personal choice, has nothing to do with my knowledge of the SOP for officers in my county. So, I'm glad you're passionate about this situation, but you're barking up the wrong tree...I was simply helping someone understand why they cuffed him after he was shot. Your comments are bias, you're pissed, and that's ok, but your comments toward me, are completely unfounded...and a bit disrespectful too...BTW, I was taught to respect and obey the law...yes, I'm white, but the prejudice blacks have encountered throughout history should have empowered this young man to comply with the requests to drop a knife and not engage officers with guns drawn, that would've scared the shit out of me...I was also taught to respect OPP, including stores and their inventory.
These cops used excessive means, no doubt, they need to be held accountable, no doubt, the police force needs to arm their officers with non-deadly counter equipment and train them how to use it, no doubt...and I actually counted 9 shots, not 5...and I watched it multiple times to confirm that excess of force...I was in shock and sickened...I hope his family finds peace...

Helping a person take their own life is considered assisting in a suicide and in this country, that's murder. Cops should have recognized what this man was doing and tried to protect him from himself, not help him out by killing him. Job fail!

But, But, But the Cops didn't feel safe..... This guy shouldn't have tried to stand his ground, i mean he should have ran.... umm surrendered.... umm stand in place... on one leg... aww hell, anything gets you shot now. Sadly people don't join the Force to protect and serve anymore, they join #1 for the paycheck, #2 for the authority and immunity from crimes, #3 the adrenaline.

hindsight is 20/20. we had more knowledge than the police did. the man was menacing to the cops. Even I saw that. how were they supposed to know the guy was mental or .. on so many drugs he couldn't stop. yes they were threatened. on the ground would have been correct. w/ arms up away from the body. but nooo.... after all the riots, what were they to think.

EVERY ONE FAILS TO REALIZE THIS GUY HAD A DEATH WISH AND NO MATTER WHAT HE WAS GOING IN 100%. ALL YOU A**HOLES THAT WANT TO MONDAY MORNING QUARTERBACK AND SAY OH THEY SHOULD HAVE HIT HIM WITH A TASER. OK LIKE THERE IS TIME TO TELL THIS GUY, WAIT A MINUTE WHILE I GET MY TASER, I DON'T WANT TO SHOOT YOU AS YOU COME AT ME WITH A KNIFE.

dumb ass bitch dont have a clue......police officer should be arresting not murdering....its ass hole like you that makes up the popurlation of the USA police force......YEAH,go make a sandwich bitch...

Wow, we have some real competent, educated winners here. First off, Milton and Koa: my mother is not a cunt, not is she a dumb ass bitch. Second: why the fuck would she make you a sandwich? Because she's a woman and all you two are good for is perpetuating stereotypes?

This woman served 21 years in the NYPD and is the strongest person I know. She sacrificed her own personal health for the 9/11 rescue and relief. What the fuck have you done? Jump on a bandwagon political agenda that you know nothing about?
I guarantee, if a man of any race or color was charging at you with the intent to kill, you would kill first. Unless you plan on running away like the cowards you clearly are. Anywho, it's best to not attack someone online for voicing their wise, deserved opinion, because in the end, you only look like assholes.

Some cops murder, because they are fucking idiots. Some people attack police officers with knives during amidst an extremely tense atmosphere, BECAUSE THEY ARE FUCKING IDIOTS.
Does stupidity deserve punishment by shooting? Maybe not. If it did, you two wouldn't be around to attack my mom on Facebook.
But you know what, it's a free country so, keep on the good fight boys. ✊

THE POLICE JOB IS NOT VOLUNTARY,THEY GET PAID FOR WHAT THEY DO, THEY HAVE BEEN TRAINED TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION IN SITUATIONS LIKE THIS,THEY ARE NOT IN A WAR ZONE,EVEN IF HE WAS READY TO DIE THE POLICE COULD HAVE HAD A DIALOG WITH HIM,WE ALL DESERVE A SECOND CHANCE,ONLY GOD KNOWS WHAT WAS GOING THROUGH HIS MIND,IMAGINE IF THIS GUY WAS A BROTHER TO ONE OF THE POLICE WOULD THEY HAVE KILLED HIM?

LOL, what assholes in this world. Don't pay them any mind. LMAO, But here you go, here's my answer to them.................AH KOA Meador ( Camp grounds of America-Slut face) and Milton Ferguson ( Fucking Figures), I will cut your so called Dick OFF and serve it on a platter with a side of Fava Beans. Then of course I would need Zantac so when I burp and your shit starts coming up on me I can hold it down. And as I have always said. it's true YOU CAN FIT TWO ASSHOLES IN A PAIR OF PANTS. HOW FUCKING STUPID ARE YOU TWO, GO GET AN EDUMICATION. LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wanda De Jesus what if the dead guy was a friend or your family member?shit happens yes but this kind of situation can be avoided,i bet you if this guy was a brother to one of the cops they would have chosen to dialog with him instead of killing him ,''a threat to life is a threat to life''the American police are not in a war zone,they get paid to serve so they should be ready to respond wisely,taken a persons life should be the last option

Levit Kenneth Markent Dunkwu I can't agree with you more. I wish I could tell you that every situation that is encountered we can have a dialogue, Sometimes yes, sometimes no. My thing is many, not everyone believes that we all have a taser, truth is we don't. Wish we all had one readily available. I also wish time was on our side. During my time in PD I never changed into my uniform and for a moment i said to myself, "tonight I am going to kill someone." Never. unfortunately we don't know what awaits us when we respond to a job. First its the type of job we get called out on and then pertinent, information is given to us via central and they give us as much information that they receive. Many calls are received from witnesses and they are the ones that relay if there is a weapon and what kind. So already we are preparing for he unspeakable that may occur. We don't respond with the thought that we just want to go out there and take a life. Our oath is to protect and serve. That doesn't only mean protecting ourselves, but that of those that are on the scene as well as the so called perpetrator. Strong word i know, but at that moment that is what we have. We don't get any history on the individual, we get maybe a round about age with a description. All we know is that we want to solve the situation with NO ONE getting hurt. Sometimes it just does not work out that way. So in a situation as such when a man has a knife and they begin to get out of control and do not respond to the demands of the police at hand, it does get to another level. The level becomes life threatening whether it be to a civilian or an officer. This situation happened so quickly, no time to reach in the car and prepare a stun gun. The gentleman was shouting shoot me, believe me it's something we don't ever want to hear. And then when he was pacing and then started towards the officer it went to the highest of levels. with all that has occurred in Ferguson the last thing anyone wanted was another shooting. It's a threat to one's being, to life. Some say well why couldn't they shoot him in the arm or the legs, Wish it was that easy, and it is always easier said than done. We are taught in a life scenario when you are threatened with force that may cause you the possibility of you losing your life then you have to resort to shoot to stop. And yes sometimes shooting to stop results in death. I have seen where guys have been so messed up on LSD or other drugs and one shot does not stop them and another one two or more are let off. i have seen it, For sure it does not mean everyone is in this condition, but again I say we don't know exactly what we have. All I saw here was a man, I believe he was armed with a knife, and please correct me if I am wrong, approaching the officer yelling shoot me shoot me. Didn't seem like he was going to stop. The video shows that and you can hear him. Maybe he had a death wish which is known as suicide by cop. Believe me he is not the first. Don't lose focus here. Decisions are made in literally the blink of an eye. Unfortunately this happened, I don't know why the man kept coming at them, I don't know, he is the one and now he is gone. if we could just listen to police commands and just do, everything would turn out so different. I can't comment on the Ferguson issue I am not 100% sure of what happened. Where there is always video, and its so strange, there was none. Too bad I wish there was, If in fact this officer shot an unarmed man who was surrendering, then yes fry him, I am with all of you on that. Yet, thats not who we are. My years on PD had many many close calls and thank god none of them turned out so tragic. Heck I was a kid that had my ass kicked by cops growing up and sat in the back of police cars often, yes I hated them, but I respected them regardless. I look back and see that I deserved what I got. Yes I am still here to talk about it, because maybe just maybe I knew my limits. Limits are off now and many don't respect the cops for one reason or another. Yeah there are bad cops, don't know why there are, but there are some that are total assholes. I just think that the good ones end up being viewed the same as the bad. More good does out weigh the bad. Honestly when does a cop get called for anything good happening. Like I said before, if the cop was wrong fry him, but don't pool us all as bad because so many are good and do care about the people and the community they serve. So So many but we never really hear of them. So I get it, I understand you and many completely, taking a persons life should be the very last option.

Wanda De Jesus very long and detailed,thanks for taking your time to explain,i understand that there are millions of good cops out there,i am not condemning the police in general,i am only reacting to this exact situation,i live in a country where we don't experience these things,in Spain the police get called to act in tough situations,they use physiology to handle tough and very complicated issues,they never use their gun as the first option no matter how complicated the situation is,using your head to easy tension is also an effective weapon too,the cops are paid to reason fast,the police i know would have retreated,its so easy to move away from the suspect,people go through a lot of troubles everyday,imagine my lovely girlfriend waking me up with a knife in her hand shouting kill me,kill me ,do you think if i had a gun in my hand i would shot her in the head to protect myself?nooooo,my inner conscience will tell me that shes not in her right mind,nobody in their right mind comes to the cops asking to be shot,nobody wants to see their loved ones killed,''empathy''putting yourself in the position of the other person,i am not saying that they don't have the right to stay alive or defend themselves,its two cops against one guy,even if he had a knife on him,they could have at list moved backwards and shoot him in his leg,i don't care how many times they shot in that position,two shots to the leg would bring him down,its a crime to the giver of life to waste peoples life like this,we all have problems,a bullet to the leg would have given him the opportunity to make amendments in his life,everybody deserves a second life

Even jesus was tortured and murdered by white cops. I wonder what some of you would have said if you were around around back them . "the jew had two nails in hands" ???? just saying. did you see the knife in his hand . How did the dead body mange to get a knife in hand after it was dragged away. was it in his pocket. ??? why do white cops get scared with black people things in their pants I wonder...

Well if you really watch and pay attention, I dong see a death wish as much as wanting to prove a point. Like it doesn't take much for scared trigger happy cops to kill you. One as you watch the video from the start, there was 20 feet or between the curb where the closest cop stood to the wall. Which he was past. Second, this wasn't av
Bout robbery. He never opened those drinks. He set them on the walk with intentions. He never got close enough to o harm an officer. They was scared and this is the case with most. I don't think he would have to ever attacked them because this would have went against what he wanted to prove. They had plenty of time for a taser. Somebody dies everyday by a cop. Then they get a paid vacation. A d don't give me the dangerous job bull either. Violent crime is 40% lower now than in the last 100 years. And of the top 10 most dangerous jobs, cops are not on the list. Logger, construction, fishermen, even the garbage man is on it. But not cops. Cops used to be brave men. Did you notice how s ared the backup cops were and how far back they made everybody move. Not scared and trigger happy. I see what he was trying to prove. And they flat out lied on the report for a reason. Pow pow pow pow pow MERICA!!!!!!!

That was senseless! Why didn't they just taser him? Why couldn't they just shot him the the legs or something.. they didn't need to kill him. :( I'm shocked! I thought the officers were truly threatened.. didn't appear that way to me in the video.

then you are a idiot then...A knife is threatening... don't let me hear of you shooting anybody while they are trying to stab you now...yell time out and look for some pepper spray so the attacker has the advantage now..

First and foremost, like Andrew said don't put yourself in those situations and you don't have to worry about it. Second, in situations like that you have seconds to react if that, if life or limb is on the line, then by all means they are clear for deadly force. Also, it's not like the movies and shows where they shoot to wound, no in the real world you shoot to kill.

They pulled up with there guns drawn to a call of someone dangerous with a knife. The way he was acting who knew what kind of drugs he was on. Often times people on drugs aren't effected as easily by tasers or just a shot to the leg. And like walter said shots to the leg or something are something you see in movies. Not real life. The guy had a knife as well as what appears to be his hand in his pocket. The cops have no idea what he has on him or in his system.

Mark Ware THE POLICE JOB IS NOT VOLUNTARY,THEY GET PAID FOR WHAT THEY DO, THEY HAVE BEEN TRAINED TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION IN SITUATIONS LIKE THIS,THEY ARE NOT IN A WAR ZONE,EVEN IF HE WAS READY TO DIE THE POLICE COULD HAVE HAD A DIALOG WITH HIM,WE ALL DESERVE A SECOND CHANCE,ONLY GOD KNOWS WHAT WAS GOING THROUGH HIS MIND,IMAGINE IF THIS GUY WAS A BROTHER TO ONE OF THE POLICE WOULD THEY HAVE KILLED HIM?

Robert Morrell Lol, Jesus H; I'm not sure if you're a troll or just incredibly fucking ignorant, Let's set this straight, how dare you have the fucking audacity to address me as a racist? Never once did I say anything about the race of anyone involved you ignorant twat. YOU however did make it a race issue.

Even jesus was tortured and murdered by white cops. I wonder what some of you would have said if you were around around back them . "the jew had two nails in hands" ???? just saying. did you see the knife in his hand . How did the dead body mange to get a knife in hand after it was dragged away. was it in his pocket. ??? why do white cops get scared with black people things in their pants I wonder...

Ali, I'm assuming you know absolutely nothing about the story of Jesus due to your insanely ignorant comparison between the two. I'm sorry but this is just to much ignorance for me too address or debate with.

Andrew people steal hell even bankers steal and cops don't murder them .The real problem is not the kid who was depressed or the cops that di d not do their job well. its bad people like you who have no worth to life or ethics to know right form wrong. Just saying . What if your mother wanted to die and stole 2 sodas and had knife and asked cosp to kill her. would it be okay for a black cop to put 9 bullets in her body... and then tie her up and say let her bleed out..I guess that will be okay with you. I think your being an idiot and I think you should not be killed for it. Because even as dum or small cold and wrongful you are your life is important. We should be bale to trust cops to save you and rehab you if you stole 2 sodas and did not even drink them. People do dum shit when they are in pain some lack courage to end their own life because t hey fear god. how ever a cops job is to save lives not take them . But your lack of value on black people life in the real problem. I think you should be put on boat and sent to Europe some where.... just saying ...

Andrew Jackson Strickler Watson can cops come to your home and put 9 bullets in your head for being an idiot . I hope not each life should be important.the girl in your picture if she stole two sodas and waiting on cops to show up to murder her. would it be fare for a jack ass like you to say it was okay because she is in idiot. and some how you work in health care dam white boy. I hope you dont think so small of black people at work like that....

Of course make it a race thing. As usual. I don't care if your black, white green, yellow, pink or anything. Holy crap the ignorance you spew is ridiculous. The guy had his hang in his pocket and a knife out in the open. The cops have no clue what he could have had in his pocket or what he was capable of doing. Cops are supposed to save lives but what's to say they didn't save someone else's life? I never hope for the death of anyone and I find it incredibly unfortunate but I also realize that it does happen in this world not just our country. And for the record you don't know a damn thing about me or my ethics and what kind of person I am.

You dont care that is the problem you really are an idiot. what do you suggest that can be done so a life is not lost white boy. or are you too dum . I know more about you then you realize. you will not understand it till it happens to you or some one you love. And I hope cops will be more kind to you and yours then they were to a black child. again do you have any suggestions as to what cops can do to not shoot and kill some one that may need their help.. can you understand that...?

Your logic is flawed. You make everything about race. Who's Dillon Taylor? Don't see you throwing a fit about that young unarmed kid shot? Oh yea he was a white kid shot by a black cop that's hardly newsworthy. What about all the black on black crime in cities like chicago? Why don't I hear about that? You know why cause all you see is race. Innocent children are gunned down in drive-bys in inner cities all the time yet I fail to see protest? About 93% of blacks are killed by other black people. You're right I do work people of all colors in healthcare and i treat them all the same. Unlike you I judge people by their character not their color. You call me an idiot and dumb yet you can barely spell or write a complete sentence. You accuse me of racism and call me a "white boy". When have I ever brought up anyone's race? Exactly. You're a racist. This will be my last comment because you can only argue with so much stupid before you start to lose your sanity. I try to be cordial and polite when I debate but you insist on uneducated attacks and misguided and inaccurate "guesses" of my character. Good day Sir.

9 shots fired at a man with apparent mental problems. It is painfully clear that the police in the USA know of only one way to subdue a suspect or diffuse a situation - SHOOT TO KILL! Every officer in America desperately needs training in using alternatives. I suggest you bring in officers from the UK where the number of black men killed last year was ZERO!

Why does it have to be black... You are just like Sharpton, Holder, and Jackson.... A sure as shit race baiter... In the UK who commits the majority of crimes in the US. Lets look at a non police killing of a veteran in Lakewood, WA that was killed by three black thugs..... where are the riots there..... think about the pressure and tension that was built up with these riots that are going on in furgeson.... Walk a day in those cops lives and you tell me if you can make the same choices and come home to your family at night. People make choices in their lives and guess what some people make the wrong ones. Even if they tazed him , or winged him, doesnt mean he will stop. So should the LEO's in this country allow robbery, RAPE, MURDER, and other crimes to be committed and not take action. If you act like a thug you need to be treated as such.... White or Black..... Way to use the race card......

mental problems????- because he said "shoot me" repeatedly, i think that was just total lack of respect for authorities. I am not inferring that justified police to shoot and kill him, but so many people have no respect for police as well as others. Listen to the beginning of the video where the man who is recording says that the thief is daring the store owner to touch the merchandise he just stole from him. People like him are a threat to society no mater what color. I do think it was excessive force just to be clear. From young ages kids are not being taught to have respect for peers, adults, teachers and authority. I think we will be seeing more incidents in the future.

Funny how this was handled so differently. Go' s to show you they don't have to shoot to kill! Police defiantly need training to defuse first. http://www.10news.com/news/san-diego-police-respond-to-possibly-armed-man-in-mission-bay

Ann Magana I disagree. I had a daughter with mental illness, she died, so I am not insensitive to that being the cause, I just do not think it was the cause. I think he was provoking authority from the time he stole those two soft drinks-as a protest against the first shooting. I do agree it could have been handled differently by the police.

Amy Guillet He was mentally ill and agitated. This was not an issue of "disrespect" anymore than a wheelchair bound person not standing for the Nat'l Anthem. His BRAIN was ILL he could NOT do what he was asked, his actions were CAUSED by his mental illness!

Amy Guillet you obviously have no experience working with people mentally incapacitated, whether by drugs or illness. And no understanding. Its pretty obvious right away that this man is. He's agitated, taunting, talking to himself, pacing......maybe you should spend some time with the mentally ill and then see where your opinions lie because right now you are looking like an uneducated, uncompassionate a$$hole. Karmas a bitch honey

Carolyn Matthews get your facts straight and stop promoting hate. YOU SAID "It is painfully clear that the police in the USA know of only one way to subdue a suspect or diffuse a situation - SHOOT TO KILL! " Now lets talk real facts. 12 million arrested in the USA last year. roughly 400 officer involved deaths. So it appears that 99.9% of the time your statement is crap. I am not saying murders by cops don't happen, but generalizing it to that point? You need to go back to school. Support your thoughts with facts, not baseless claims.

Todd Johnson I'm promoting compassion for people with mental illness, empathy for African American young men who are routinely targeted by police and a call for re-training for police who are meant to "serve & protect" the community as opposed to the current 'us vs. them' diametrically-opposed situation as demonstrated in Ferguson. Funny how you quote statistics on the number of officer-involved deaths in the USA when the FBI doesn't even have an accurate account, . In fact, the only way that the FBI could gather such stats is by going to each and every police union to request this apparently "classified" information. Unfortunately, not a day goes by without news of people and pets killed by police in the US. Police brutality, police militarization, excessive force and racial profiling are massive problems and you can minimize it all you want and hide your head in the sand, pretending it isn't so, but that, you condescending dipshit, won't make it any less of a problem. Yet another man has had his life ended by poorly-trained, over zealous, racially-profiling police. He could have been subdued and now housed in a facility being treated for his issues. Instead, his life is over. DEAD. If your child was executed by police I wonder if you'd be spouting manufactured statistics in a vain attempt to defend police. Everyone - black and white - should be deeply concerned and looking for answers. That includes even you!

Amy Guillet THE POLICE JOB IS NOT VOLUNTARY,THEY GET PAID FOR WHAT THEY DO, THEY HAVE BEEN TRAINED TO MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION IN SITUATIONS LIKE THIS,THEY ARE NOT IN A WAR ZONE,EVEN IF HE WAS READY TO DIE THE POLICE COULD HAVE HAD A DIALOG WITH HIM,WE ALL DESERVE A SECOND CHANCE,ONLY GOD KNOWS WHAT WAS GOING THROUGH HIS MIND,IMAGINE IF THIS GUY WAS A BROTHER TO ONE OF THE POLICE WOULD THEY HAVE KILLED HIM?

the only time you should pull your weapon is to deflect bodily harm.... and if you pull your weapon in the heat of the moment you are shooting to deflect the situation, not shoot him in the arm... 9mm handguns normally doesn't drop a wired up person, Ive read reports of people being shot 7 or 8 times with a 9mm and still standing... if the situation arises for you to pull your gun and you feel your life is in danger ... its shoot to kill. plain and simple.

Legally police and citizen get 1 shot for each threat if the first doesn't stop him you get another and so on and so forth but if your not a cop good luck proving the justification of the second shot. If your gonna kill someone you gotta do it by the book. Remember criminals have more rights than victims, that's just how it is

You should not talk if you are stupid! There is no such BS as 1 shot defense 2 or more is intent! What a moron you shot until threat is neutralized! Here is another educational reading experience for you!
Deadly Force: An amount of force that is likely to cause serious bodily injury or death to another person!!!!
When can you use deadly force you say?
The following factors can be used as a guide to base your decision to use deadly force if two of the following factors exist, you should probably draw your firearm:
1. ABILITY 2. OPPORTUNITY 3. JEOPARDY 4. INTENT
I saw Possibly all 4 but you need but 2
1 ability yes had a knife
2 Opportunity yes was in closing range
3 Jeopardy Yes they had every right to feel in jeopardy
4 Intent tricky answer but he approached brandishing a weapon so yes

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